South Australia has vast wind and solar projects supplying more than half the state’s energy needs. Foreign and local investment is now also pouring into green hydrogen and ammonia projects.
Renewables SA encourages innovation, investment, and the uptake of clean energy across its leading industries, including space, defence, technology, mining, tourism and agribusinesses.
Innovation and research hubs
South Australia is a major research centre, with 5 of the world’s leading universities. There are also specialised innovation hubs.
- The Tonsley Innovation District is a hub for mining and energy innovation that includes both the Australian Hydrogen Park SA and Innovyz, which supports the commercialisation of research
- Lot 14 is soon to be the home of the A$400 million Entrepreneur and Innovation Centre and host to the Core Innovation Hub, Australia’s first innovation hub for the resources sector with a national ecosystem for suppliers, researchers, entrepreneurs and industry to connect and collaborate.
SA’s innovation districts (and many other locations) all have access to affordable GigCity infrastructure – for gigabit-speed internet up to 100 times faster than the national average.
Clean hydrogen is a major focus for South Australia, and as well as the Hydrogen Park at Tonsley, the Hydrogen Technology Cluster – SA H2H supports hydrogen technology collaboration in South Australia, delivering hydrogen supply-chain scale in South Australia.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd (MHI) is investing in The H2U Group, the leading Australian developer of green hydrogen and green ammonia projects using power derived from renewable energy sources.
Incentives, grants and support
- Researchers, entrepreneurs and businesses may be able to access state government funding through the Research, Commercialisation and Startup Fund. The Jobs and Economic Growth Fund providesA$200 million for initiatives and projects across the state’s 9 priority sectors.
- The Regional Growth Fund provides A$160 million for eligible projects that drive growth in regional areas.
- Support of up to A$80,000 is available through the South Australian Landing Pad to established businesses, startups and scaleups wanting to establish themselves in South Australia or the Asia Pacific region. There’s also help to navigate, network and participate in the local ecosystem
- Export related assistance and grant programs are available through the Department for Trade and Investment.
Venture capital for early-stage companies may be available through the South Australian Venture Capital Fund
Case studies
AGIC and The Australian Gas Network (AGN) are providing a natural gas and hydrogen blend to more than 700 homes in the Mitchell Park region of South Australia. This test region will help define the needs and advantages of blended fuel sources for consumers.
The Eyre Peninsula Gateway Hydrogen Project is one of many green hydrogen and green ammonia projects being developed by H2U, and recently attracted investment from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.