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The South Australian Government has released a $550 million comprehensive plan to take charge of their energy future and deliver reliable, affordable and clean power to South Australians.

The plan includes the construction of Australia’s largest battery to store energy from the wind and sun, as part of a Renewable Technology Fund that supports clean, dispatchable and affordable power.

The plan also includes the construction of a new  government-owned 250MW gas-fired power plant to provide emergency backup power and system stability services.

The plan, titled South Australian Power for South Australians, will ensure more of the state’s power is sourced, generated and controlled in South Australia.

The plan aims to increase security, boost competition and put downward pressure on prices.

The South Australian Government is also:

  • Introducing new Ministerial powers to direct the market to operate in the interests of South Australians
  • Incentivising increased gas production to ensure more of the 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.

“South Australia will now lead our nation’s transformation to the next generation of renewable storage technologies and create an international reputation for high-tech industries,” said South Australian Premier, Jay Weatherill.

SA Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis said this was the first investment in generation since the privatisation of ETSA and will give South Australians greater control over their own energy security.

“For too long, South Australian households and businesses have been at the mercy of private companies seeking to maximise their profits and a national operator that manages our grid from Melbourne and Sydney.

“So far this year, we have seen frequent price spikes and supply shortfalls across the nation, but the Federal Government has refused to act.

“We can’t rely on this broken national market any longer. Our plan will deliver increased local generation and powers to help prevent outages and more competition to put downward pressure on power prices for families and businesses,” said Mr Koutsantonis.

Lauren brings a fresh approach to content. While she’s previously written for publications as diverse as Australian Geographic, The Border Watch and Girlfriend, she’s found her true passion in her current role as an editor in the world of energy and infrastructure trade magazines.

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