South Australia Unlocks Vast New Zones for Renewable Energy Development

The South Australian government has designated two massive new land areas for the development of large-scale wind and solar projects, signalling a major step forward in the state’s clean energy ambitions. Announced on April 7, 2026, the move unlocks a combined area of over 11,700 square kilometres on the Eyre Peninsula and in the Upper Spencer Gulf, areas renowned for their high-quality wind and solar resources.

The policy initiative, governed by the state’s Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act 2023, is expected to host enough new generation to power more than 500,000 homes with green electricity. The release of this land is a critical step in providing the clean power necessary for South Australia’s burgeoning green hydrogen industry.

The New Renewable Energy Zones

The two designated areas are:

  • Gawler Ranges East: Covering approximately 5,200 square kilometres on the Upper Eyre Peninsula.
  • Whyalla West: Spanning around 6,500 square kilometres in the Upper Spencer Gulf region.

These zones have been strategically selected for their resource quality and their potential to support the state’s industrial decarbonisation goals. The government’s process invites companies to submit tenders for feasibility licences to develop projects within these zones, kicking off a competitive process to attract significant investment in wind, solar, and potentially hydrogen production facilities.

This release of land is a clear signal to the market that South Australia is open for business and is actively paving the way for the next wave of clean energy investment. By providing access to areas with proven high-calibre wind and solar resources, the government is reducing initial development hurdles for project proponents.

A Strategic Move for a Hydrogen Superpower

The timing and location of these new zones are no coincidence. They align directly with the state’s ambition to become a globally significant producer and exporter of green hydrogen. The Upper Spencer Gulf, in particular, is a hub for heavy industry and is the focus of multiple proposed green hydrogen projects, which require immense amounts of renewable electricity to power electrolysers that split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

The Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act 2023 provides a framework for managing the lifecycle of these large-scale projects, from initial land access and environmental assessments through to decommissioning. This legislative certainty is designed to give investors the confidence needed to commit to capital-intensive, long-term projects.

National Context and Future Implications

This state-level policy action complements the broader national energy transition. With Australia’s largest industrial emitters now operating under the federal Safeguard Mechanism—which requires facilities emitting over 100,000 tonnes of CO2-equivalent annually to reduce their emissions—the demand for clean energy solutions is set to accelerate. The development of new renewable energy zones like those in South Australia will be crucial for providing the green electricity and hydrogen needed for industries like mining and manufacturing to meet their compliance obligations under the scheme.

The successful development of the Gawler Ranges East and Whyalla West zones will not only contribute significantly to South Australia’s own renewable energy targets but will also play a vital role in enhancing the stability and supply of clean energy to the National Electricity Market (NEM). As Australia works towards its national target of 82% renewable electricity by 2030, proactive state policies that unlock land and streamline development are becoming increasingly critical. The competitive tender process for these new zones will be closely watched by the entire energy industry as a barometer for investment appetite in Australia’s renewable future.