23 October 2023

BESS EOISouth Australian companies planning to invest in building battery energy storage systems can now apply for a more streamlined process to get their projects off the ground faster.

Under the new plan, companies seeking to build the systems can submit expressions of interest (EOI) for Crown Sponsorship from the Minister for Energy and Mining of their proposed development.

These projects will be considered for recommendation to the Minister for Planning for a planning exemption, which could significantly improve project timelines.

The move comes as the State Government seeks to accelerate grid-scale battery developments to increase South Australia’s dispatchable capacity.

Under Planning Development and Infrastructure (General) Regulations 2017, the following is permitted to be exempt from planning approval in South Australia:

  • construction, reconstruction, or alteration of battery storage facilities to support the reliability and security of South Australia’s grid
  • any infrastructure, structures, equipment or works associated with or relating to development including powerlines poles and fences, fuel supply infrastructure, and civil works
  • projects on land identified by the Minister for Planning by notice published in the Government Gazette.

The exemption pathway relates to planning approval of the battery energy storage systems component of a project only.

The department will assess EOIs in association with other relevant agencies and local councils, against criteria outlined in the application guidelines.

It builds on South Australia’s credentials in leading the world in uptake of household roof top solar PV, creating the world’s first grid-scale battery, and encouraging renewable energy developments across the state.

The EOI application guidelines are available at www.energymining.sa.gov.au/bess-eoi

The EOI opens on 23 October 2023 and runs for four weeks.