The State Government is seeking to accelerate grid-scale battery developments to increase South Australia’s dispatchable capacity.

As a result, the Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for Crown Sponsorship of new battery energy storage system (BESS) projects across the state.

Companies are encouraged to submit an EOI for Crown Sponsorship from the Minister for Energy and Mining for their proposed development(s).

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

What is Crown Sponsorship?

Crown sponsorship is where a development is specifically endorsed by a State agency for the purposes of section 131 of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016.

Crown Sponsorship for a BESS can lead to a recommendation by the Minister for Energy and Mining to the Minister for Planning for a planning exemption pathway under Schedule 13 of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure (General) Regulations 2017.

These regulations allow for the following 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; and
• Projects on land identified by the Minister for Planning by notice published in the Government Gazette.

What we are looking for

DEM is considering projects classified as essential infrastructure under section 131 of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016.

You can find out more, including eligibility by reading the Application Guidelines (PDF, 464.5 KB).

PLEASE NOTE that receiving Crown Sponsorship does not imply approval of a Development Application.

Why we are doing this

South Australia has transformed its energy system from one per cent to over 70 per cent renewable energy in just over 16 years. The high penetration of solar and wind in the state means periods of low renewable resources could have a high impact if there is insufficient dispatchable firming technology. There is also a significant amount of this type of capacity exiting both South Australia and the market interstate over the short-medium term.

There is a need to introduce new dispatchable firming capacity into the market by 2027 to address the reliability gaps forecast by the Australian Energy Market Operator. BESS can provide dispatchable firming capacity that can complement renewable energy generation, as higher emission generation continues to be reduced across the national electricity market.

As part of its ongoing commitment to transitioning to a renewable energy future, the State Government is examining the opportunity to further enliven the roll out of grid-scale BESS developments.

How to apply

Find out more by reading the Application Guidelines (PDF, 464.5 KB).

Submit your Expression of Interest by emailing it to DEM.sponsorshipEOI@sa.gov.au with the subject line “EOI for Crown Sponsorship – BESS project”.

EOI applications will be assessed as they are received, and applicants are encouraged to submit ahead of the closing date. To be considered, an application must be received by DEM by no later than 11.59pm ACDT on Wednesday, 15 November 2023.

What happens next

EOIs will be assessed by DEM to determine the impact the BESS project will have on the state’s energy reliability.

In parallel, EOIs will be assessed by a broader stakeholder group of relevant agencies and local councils to evaluate whether the project, if sponsored and not located in an excluded location, would be considered for the exempt pathway.

All applicants will be contacted by DEM to advise if their EOI has been successful in receiving Crown Sponsorship.

The Minister for Planning will be sent projects that receive Crown Sponsorship and are recommended for the exempt pathway.

Any sites identified by the Minister for Planning for the exempt pathway will be published in the Gazette and DEM will notify applicants when this occurs.

Frequently asked questions