Yes, DEM is finalising a security framework for the HRE Act. The draft environmental liability management policy was consulted on last year. The expectation is that bonds or security is provided to protect the state from liability such as for rehabilitation. Any obligation is likely to scale as projects grow, will be risk based and dependent on the project type. For example, obligation may be minimal for a Renewable Energy Feasibility Licence (REFL) but will increase when granting a Renewable Energy Infrastructure Licence (REIL).
It is up to a proponent to propose their project including size MW and land. You may wish to note section 19(2) of HRE act which refers to how a REIL is granted. Specifically:
“The Minister must not grant a renewable energy infrastructure licence over an area of designated land unless— (a) the applicant for the licence holds, or has held, a renewable energy feasibility licence in respect of that area; and (b) the licence area to which the application relates is the whole or a part of an area over which the renewable energy feasibility licence is or was held.”
Each call for tenders’ notice outlines the matters raised by the relevant native title bodies as they differ for reach release area. Specifically, refer to provision 6 of the relevant notice which is available on the call for tenders homepage.
No. Applicants only need to provide a copy of their statement addressing the matters.
At the conclusion of the tender period, the relevant native title body will be provided with the statement made by the applicant and the native title body will be given time to consider and respond. This step will be managed by DEM.
The completion of tender evaluation and notification of an outcome is dependent on a number of factors that are not currently known, including the volume and quality of applications received.
It is also important to note that under the HRE Act, it is the Minister for Energy and Mining that is responsible for determining the successful applicant(s) and DEM cannot presume a decision by the Minister.
Notwithstanding this, applicants may expect to be notified of an outcome within 10 weeks of tenders closing on 28 June 2026.
In relation to the granting of a REFL, that is dependent on the successful applicant(s) submitting their licence application. Amongst other considerations, a licence cannot be granted until the Minister is satisfied there is a native title agreement is in place, and a statement of environmental outcomes (SEO) is in force. These are dependent on the applicant. To assist, DEM commenced consultation on a draft SEO for the release area on 17/4/26. This will enable a licence applicant to adopt an already approved SEO and remove the need to conduct their own consultation.
If an applicant submits a valid licence application (including with a native title agreement and SEO), applicants may expect a licence decision will be made within 6-8 weeks of submission.
Yes. Email releaseareas@sa.gov.au and the maps will be shared with you.
Wind and solar resource data can be found at:
