Australia-based Windlab has secured the exclusive right to apply for a Renewable Energy Feasibility Licence for its proposed Whyalla West project in South Australia, following a competitive tender run by the state government.
Located on Barngarla Country in the Upper Spencer Gulf, the project could deliver up to 6 GW of combined wind and solar generation. The proposed first stage would comprise 600 MW to 1 GW of wind capacity and battery storage, with later stages dependent on industrial electricity demand and enabling infrastructure.
The development is intended to supply a region where industrial electricity demand could grow as existing and emerging industries decarbonise. Its proximity to the Whyalla industrial area is a key factor in the project’s proposed development.
Windlab said it had worked with the Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation and host pastoralists during the tender process. The company plans to continue engagement with Traditional Owners, landholders and communities as the project develops.
“Whyalla West combines exceptional renewable energy resources, significant development scale and proximity to established and emerging industrial demand,” said Nathan Blundell, Windlab’s chief development officer.
Subject to the feasibility licence being granted, Windlab expects to begin on-site development activities in the coming months. The initial feasibility programme will assess the project area and inform its design and next development steps.
The proposed 6 GW capacity represents the potential scale of the overall development, rather than committed generation capacity. Windlab says subsequent stages would be progressed in line with demand and the availability of supporting infrastructure.
