South Australia unveils 13GW of proposed wind and solar projects near Whyalla

Four companies have been selected to develop nearly 13 gigawatts of wind and solar energy capacity west of Whyalla in South Australia. The proposed projects will span more than 3,300 square kilometres of pastoral land within Barngarla Country in the Upper Spencer Gulf region.

The selected developers and their proposals include:

• Windlab: A 6GW wind and solar project covering approximately 2,386 square kilometres. • Altra Energy SA: A 4.7GW wind and solar development across 584 square kilometres. • Heron Energy: A 1.6GW wind project covering approximately 314 square kilometres. • Neoen: A 350MW to 360MW solar development across 81 square kilometres.

These developments are part of the Whyalla West Release Area, established under renewable energy legislation introduced in 2023. Energy and Mining Minister Tom Koutsantonis stated that the scale of these proposals aims to build on Whyalla’s industrial foundations, attracting new investment and supporting future industrial growth. The projects are currently in the early stages, with companies granted exclusive rights to apply for Renewable Feasibility Licences.