South Australia is moving ahead with its first long-duration energy storage tender as part of the state’s Firm Energy Reliability Mechanism (FERM), a key initiative designed to secure reliable, affordable, and low-emission electricity for the future grid.

The State Government has appointed ASL as the independent scheme administrator to deliver the process. The tender will seek up to 700 MW of long-duration storage across multiple delivery stages with 400 MW by November 2028, 200 MW by 2029, and a further 100 MW by 2031.

Importantly, the tender is technology-neutral, meaning a range of solutions from advanced battery systems to flexible gas generation will be eligible to compete. Proposals will be assessed on how well they strengthen system reliability, enhance energy security, and reduce wholesale market prices for South Australian consumers.

ASL will also establish the governance and financial frameworks needed to underpin the scheme, including appointing a counterparty vehicle for the long-term service agreements.

The tender process is expected to open in late October 2025, with detailed guidelines and briefing materials now available for prospective proponents. This marks a significant step toward building the long-duration storage capability needed to balance renewables and keep South Australia’s power system resilient well into the 2030s.

https://esdnews.com.au/first-long-duration-storage-tender-for-south-australia