The Marshall Government is urging world-wide renewable energy companies considering investing in South Australia to get in quickly, with applications to the $50 million Grid Scale Storage Fund closing soon.

The Fund – which offers grants designed to accelerate the roll-out of grid-scale energy storage infrastructure in SA – is part of the Government’s overall plan to deliver more reliable and affordable power for South Australian families and businesses.

Minister for Energy and Mining Dan van Holst Pellekaan said the Fund, launched in November, was open to developers with expertise in a range of projects from pumped hydro, battery storage, solar thermal, hydrogen, biofuel and thermal energy storage.

“We have been pleased with the early interest shown in the Fund from a number of innovative renewable energy leaders and encourage others to get in quick before the deadline closes next month,’’ said Minister van Holst Pellekaan.

“As a government we are committed to a comprehensive plan that delivers more reliable and affordable power in South Australia, and new and innovative technologies will further strengthen our energy system into the future.

“The Fund will target projects that help address some of the key challenges having cost impacts on South Australia’s power system such as helping meet peak demand and providing grid security and stability.

“Grid scale storage is critical because South Australia’s system can have an overabundance of renewable energy one day, but we don’t store it at any scale for when it’s not there.

“Not only will the successful projects improve energy affordability, reliability and security, they will have considerable positive flow-on benefits including creating local jobs and growing the economy.”

Applicants have until Thursday, February 7 to submit their proposals.

 Applications shortlisted for the Grid Scale Storage Fund may be eligible for co-funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) under its Advancing Renewables Program.

For more information about the Grid Scale Storage Fund and how to apply, visit www.energymining.sa.gov.au/gssf