South Australia tables landmark laws to enable hydrogen and renewable energy 'gold rush'
The groundbreaking move positions South Australia as the first state in the nation to establish a comprehensive legislative framework for the hydrogen sector and renewable energy industries.
The South Australian government has presented the Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Bill in the state's Parliament, marking a significant step in streamlining and coordinating the development of hydrogen and renewable energy projects.
South Australia has been a frontrunner in renewable energy, with more than 70% of its energy sourced from renewable sources. However, the state anticipates a substantial influx of large-scale hydrogen and renewable energy projects, representing an investment exceeding $20 billion in capital development.
The Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Bill seeks to simplify existing regulatory processes and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, creating a more investor-friendly environment conducive to large-scale hydrogen and renewable energy development led by the government. It represents six Acts being merged into one, minimising red tape for prospective investors.
The bill's scope is broad, encompassing both freehold and government-owned land, as well as state waters. Its overarching goal is to ensure transparency and reliability across social, environmental, and safety aspects of the burgeoning industry.
A pivotal aspect of the legislation is land access. On freehold land, project proponents will be required to secure access through direct agreements with landowners, preserving existing arrangements. In contrast, for pastoral land and state waters, the bill introduces a competitive system for granting access and licenses, allowing responsible assignment of access to some of the state's most promising areas for renewable energy development.
The Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Bill introduces five distinct license categories, each tailored to specific stages of renewable energy projects. These categories encompass feasibility research, construction, operation, and closure of facilities, as well as the development of hydrogen generation facilities and associated infrastructure.
Prior to its introduction, the bill underwent an extensive consultation process, including engagement with native title holders, to address and accommodate the concerns and interests of various stakeholders.
Tom Koutsantonis, MP, South Australian Minister for Energy and Mining said, "Developing this unique regulatory framework will provide significant opportunity for South Australia to attract and retain high quality investment, confirming us as a global leader in the clean energy transition."
"I’m confident this will prove to be a blueprint for other jurisdictions looking to harness the economic opportunity of clean, green energy."
