On Tuesday, the South Australian Government announced a plan for the energy future of the state.
The plan South Australian Power for South Australians is designed to provide reliable and affordable power for the state. The cornerstone of the plant is the construction of a state-owned $360 million 250 MW gas-fired power plant.
The $500 million plan also includes:
- $150 million for a battery storage and renewable technology fund. The first project to be funded is the largest grid-connected battery in Australia, providing 100 megawatts of storage.
- Legislation to give the Minister for Energy new powers direct the national market in the case of an electricity supply shortfall.
- Using government buying power to attract a new power generator. The government will release a tender for 75% of its electricity needs over the next 10 years in the expectation that this will attract a new energy supplier to the state.
- Incentives to improve sourcing of local gas supplies and reduce reliance on Victorian coal fired electricity.
- Establish new targets to ensure energy retailers source cleaner energy from local generators rather than coal-fired power from Victoria.
