The State Government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to take charge of the State’s energy future and deliver reliable, affordable and clean power for South Australians.
South Australian Power for South Australians will ensure more of the State’s power is sourced, generated and controlled in South Australia.
Premier Jay Weatherill said South Australia will now lead Australia’s transformation to the next generation of renewable storage technologies and create an international reputation for high-tech industries.
“We’ll get reliable, affordable and clean power and ensure more of the State’s power is sourced, generated and controlled here in South Australia. Our State has built its reputation on clean, green environment and this plan recognises that clean energy is our future.”
The $550 million plan will increase security, boost competition and put downward pressure on prices.
The South Australian Government is:
- Building Australia’s largest battery to store energy from the wind and sun, part of a new Renewable Technology Fund that supports clean, dispatchable and affordable power
- Building a government-owned 250MW gas-fired power plant to provide emergency back-up power and system stability services for South Australians, in the meantime procuring temporary back-up generation if necessary
- Introducing new Ministerial powers to direct the market to operate in the interests of South Australians
- Incentivising increased gas production to ensure more of our State’s gas is sourced and used in South Australia
- Introducing an Energy Security Target to ensure our power system uses more clean, secure energy generated in South Australia
- Using the Government’s purchasing power through its own electricity contract to attract a new power generator, increasing competition in the market
The new gas-fired power plant is budgeted to cost $360 million, $150 million will be committed to the SA Renewable Technology Fund and new PACE grants are worth $24 million.
The plan is expected to create at least 630 new jobs.