Magazine

Last edition
January-February 2025

Home › Renewable energy ›Australia Paves the Way for Hydrogen and Renewable Energy with Landmark Legislation

Australia Paves the Way for Hydrogen and Renewable Energy with Landmark Legislation

The Act, endorsed by both houses of parliament, introduces a ground breaking 'one window to government' licensing and regulatory system, streamlining the approval process for large-scale projects throughout their lifecycle.

November 17, 2023. By News Bureau

The South Australian Parliament has successfully passed the Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act 2023. The legislation, the first of its kind in Australia, aims to provide a comprehensive regulatory framework for the development of hydrogen and renewable energy projects in specified areas.

The Act, endorsed by both houses of parliament, introduces a ground breaking 'one window to government' licensing and regulatory system, streamlining the approval process for large-scale projects throughout their lifecycle.

This legislative initiative comes in response to unprecedented global interest in South Australia's potential for hydrogen and renewable energy development, prompting the need for a coordinated approach to harness opportunities and simplify procedures.

With an estimated capital development investment of approximately USD 21 billion and prospects for growth, the Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act 2023 is poised to unlock the state's renewable energy pipeline.

The legislation addresses crucial aspects such as land access, environmental impacts, and native title rights within a unified regulatory framework, making it more accessible for companies to invest in these projects.

One of the features of the Act is the introduction of release areas, where developers and investors can vie for access to premier wind and solar resources on government-owned land. This competitive approach ensures that the selected projects align with the social, economic, and environmental needs of the region and the state.

The Act emphasizes extensive community and landholder consultation, aiming to meet expectations for responsible development.

The State Government has committed to ongoing collaboration with stakeholders and rights holders to establish associated regulations for the Act and identify release areas for competitive tenders.

Tags:

Hydrogen / Fuel Cells

One window to government

South Australian Parliament