Release Areas - Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act
Consultation has concluded
We are seeking your feedback on two proposed release areas, near the Gawler Ranges and Whyalla, to develop large-scale renewable energy projects
What's being decided?
The recently introduced Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act 2023 (HRE Act) introduces a mechanism for large-scale renewable energy projects to be developed on designated land (including pastoral lands, prescribed Crown lands, and state waters) – these are known as release areas.
In close consultation with the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal Corporation and the Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation, the government has identified two proposed release areas under the HRE Act.
The Gawler Ranges East proposed release area spans approximately 5,200 km2 on the Upper Eyre Peninsula, while the Whyalla West proposed release area spans approximately 6,500 km2 in the Upper Spencer Gulf region.
We invite feedback on the locations, boundaries and any sensitivities and constraints that may be affected by development on the land.
Renewable energy developers are also asked to identify specific areas where they may wish to develop projects within the proposed release areas.
Background
The Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act 2023 (HRE Act) establishes Australia's first dedicated licensing and regulatory framework for large-scale hydrogen and renewable energy projects. The Act introduces a process to facilitate renewable energy development on designated lands, including pastoral lands, prescribed Crown lands, and state waters, through the designation of specific "release areas".
Once a release area is declared, renewable energy companies will submit competitive tenders to develop projects on the land. This process ensures only the most suitable and sustainable projects are awarded access, while also supporting regional development objectives and allowing for co-existence with existing land uses.
The government has identified two proposed release areas under the new framework - the Gawler Ranges East and Whyalla West areas.
A link to the proposed release areas on SARIG is available here.
Get involved
Find out more by reading the following documents:
Gawler Ranges East proposed release area
Whyalla West proposed release area
Have your say by:
- Submitting your feedback
- Emailing your submission to ReleaseAreas@sa.gov.au
Submissions close at 11.59pm on Tuesday 22 October 2024.
What are the next steps?
Following consultation, the government will consider the feedback and will make a decision regarding the declaration of the release areas.
