Homegrown Altra Energy SA takes a customer first approach to Whyalla West

Altra Energy SA, a South Australian joint venture between Alternate Path and Clearview Developments, now has the exclusive right to apply for Renewable Energy Feasibility Licences over pastoral land on Barngarla country west of Whyalla, in the Upper Spencer Gulf. It follows the South Australian Government's announcement of the successful proponents for the Whyalla West Release Area.

The Upper Spencer Gulf has world-class wind and solar resources alongside a strong industrial history. Altra Energy's developable land area covers around 584 square kilometres, supporting approximately 4.7 gigawatts of proposed solar and wind generation supplemented by battery storage, with potential to increase to 6.3 gigawatts subject to further feasibility work, the necessary approvals and confirmation of additional land allocation. Development will be undertaken in accordance with the Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act 2023, Australia's first dedicated framework for large-scale hydrogen and renewable energy development.

Alternate Path brings an innovative approach to offtake structuring and technical solutions, underpinned by a proven landowner-led model already being applied across its existing project pipeline to unlock commercial pathways for large-scale energy developments. Clearview Developments complements this with deep development, commercial and financing expertise, together with established networks across industry, government and capital markets. Its principals have decades of experience originating, developing, financing and delivering major infrastructure projects across Australia, with a presence in Adelaide and nationally.

That combination shapes Altra Energy's approach. Rather than secure land first and find buyers later, Altra Energy started with customers. Before lodging its proposal, it was already in discussions with major energy users about where this power would go, including existing mining and heavy industry in the Upper Spencer Gulf and new customers in sectors such as data centres and low carbon liquid fuels. Much of that demand sits with industries South Australia has already set out to grow.

Altra Energy's developments will be shaped by that customer demand. The practical effect is that the investment and the jobs have somewhere to land in the region, rather than following the power out of it.

The same thinking applies on the ground. A landowner-led approach means working with the people who hold and work the land as partners in development. Altra Energy is working with Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation, pastoral leaseholders and local businesses, and that work will continue through every stage of the project.

Altra Energy's consortium brings leading international engineering, delivery and funding capability alongside grid, legal, environmental and planning advisers.

Building on the considerable work undertaken to advance Altra Energy's vision for Whyalla West, Altra Energy is now mobilising into development. It will lodge licence applications with the Department for Energy and Mining, then begin detailed technical, commercial and environmental studies alongside stakeholder engagement and landholder consultation. The development proposal remains subject to further assessment, consultation and approvals.

Altra Energy thanks the Minister for Energy and Mining, the Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP, and the Department for Energy and Mining for a professional and constructive process, and looks forward to working with the Department on the shared transmission and access arrangements that will help unlock the release area.

Andrew Newman, Director, Altra Energy SA said:

“This is the first step in the process, building on the vision, confidence and implementation plan that formed the foundation of our proposal. The studies will tell us what can be built and where, and we have a lot of work to do before then with the Barngarla people and with the pastoral leaseholders who work this land.”

“That is the order we are doing it in, and we are going to do it properly. The Upper Spencer Gulf has a long industrial history and this is a chance to power the next generation of it.”

The Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP, Minister for Energy and Mining, said:

“Altra Energy's proposal to explore wind and solar resources in the Whyalla West release area is a local vote of confidence in South Australia's renewable energy future.”

“Founded in South Australia, Altra Energy is well placed to help pioneer the enormous opportunities opened up by the state's nation-leading renewable energy legislation, and usher in a new era of economic development.”

About Altra Energy SA

Altra Energy SA is a renewable energy developer formed to bring energy users and new generation together, so industrial demand can be met where it is needed. altraenergy.com.au

About Alternate Path

Founded in 2023 by Andrew Clark and Leah Smythe, Alternate Path was built around a simple but powerful conviction: the energy transition moves fastest when the people who own the land are genuine partners from day one. Landowners are co-architects of every project it develops. Alternate Path doesn't approach them as a site; it develops alongside them, giving them real economic participation, transparent governance and deep community engagement from the outset. alternatepath.com.au

About Clearview Developments

Clearview Developments originates and develops large-scale energy and infrastructure projects across Australia, working with landowners, co-developers and capital partners. It takes development positions, manages them through approvals and commercialisation, and brings the capital to deliver them. clearviewdev.com.au