South Australia is leading the charge towards a renewable energy future, aiming for net 100% renewable electricity generation by 2027. To ensure this transition doesn't compromise energy reliability, the state government has introduced the Firm Energy Reliability Mechanism (FERM). This initiative seeks to secure long-duration firm capacity—such as gas, batteries, or other dispatchable sources—to maintain a stable and resilient electricity supply, especially during periods when renewable sources like wind and solar are insufficient.

The Department for Energy and Mining is now in Stage 2 of public consultation for FERM. This phase focuses on refining the scheme's design, regulations, and guidelines based on stakeholder feedback.