SA plans legislation to clear the way for green hydrogen

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has revealed details of a new Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act which will slash red tape and streamline processes for the approval of green hydrogen projects.

Speaking to the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam he said there were currently a number of acts covering renewable energy projects, including the Electricity Act 1996, Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000, Landscapes SA Act 2019, Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, Gas Act 1997 and Harbors and Navigations Act 1993.

The new Act will streamline processes for companies wanting to invest in large-scale hydrogen and renewable energy projects, into a single regulatory process covering the entire project lifecycle.

The Act will facilitate secure land access, social and environmental benefits and put our First Nations people at the centre of the transformation, in line with leading environment, social and governance requirements. This will achieve a fair transition and reduce risk for investors.

Malinauskas said the state wanted to make it as easy as possible for companies to invest in the state.

Malinauskas said: “This world-first Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act will establish an orderly, fit for purpose system to ensure that developments are assisted by a ‘one window to government’ approach.

“In just over 15 years, our state has transformed its energy source from one per cent to more than 70 per cent renewable energy.

“Now we need to take the next step to increase our renewable share even further.”

Under the Act, which is now under consultation:

• Government owned land and waters where renewable energy projects can be hosted will be identified by the South Australian Government
• Companies will compete for licences to access government owned land and waters to deliver these projects
• New, fit for purpose licensing arrangements will be established for projects across all land types, enabling regulation of the whole project life cycle
• First Nations people’s rights and interests will be considered early and throughout the regulatory processes
• A framework will ensure that developments are delivered with net environmental benefit
• Requirements will be put in place to ensure land is rehabilitated and returned to pre-existing conditions
• And multiple land use provisions will be sought to deliver fair outcomes for landowners, communities, and other pre-existing land rights holders.

 
Peter Malinauskas
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