What should you check before starting a bioenergy project in South Australia?

In South Australia, most bioenergy projects need three early checks: whether the activity needs a licence or permission from the South Australian Environment Protection Authority (EPA SA) under the Environment Protection Act 1993, whether your council must approve the development, and whether the local network can connect your plant. Thresholds and requirements change, so confirm each with the official regulator before committing money.

A winery with a small digester beside an outline of South Australia, a licence checklist, a wind turbine and solar panels connected to the grid
Conceptual illustration · not a project photograph or engineering design

Do you need an environmental licence?

Prescribed activities of environmental significance listed in Schedule 1 of the Act — which include certain waste treatment, composting and fuel-burning activities — need an EPA licence. The EPA also publishes guidelines for specific activities.

The simplest first step is to describe your activity, feedstock and expected volumes to the South Australian Environment Protection Authority (EPA SA) and ask which category applies.

Waste rules that shape your feedstock and outputs

South Australia applies a solid waste levy and has a long-standing waste strategy delivered with Green Industries SA, which supports organics recovery and circular economy projects. Digestate and compost use is subject to EPA requirements for the material.

Planning approval

Development applications are lodged through the PlanSA portal and assessed against the Planning and Design Code, usually by council or an assessment panel, with EPA referral for activities requiring a licence.

Electricity and gas network connection

SA Power Networks runs the electricity distribution network; Australian Gas Networks runs most gas distribution. South Australia already has very high shares of wind and solar, so the value of dispatchable bioenergy or local heat use is worth discussing with the network early.

A practical order of checks

  1. Describe the activity — feedstock, source (on-site or received), volumes and outputs.
  2. Ask the environmental regulator which licence or permission category applies.
  3. Talk to council about zoning, traffic, odour and neighbours.
  4. Contact the network business before sizing any generator or gas injection.
  5. Confirm digestate or compost use so your by-products have a lawful outlet.

This guide is general information, not legal or regulatory advice. Shelby does not lodge applications.

Frequently asked questions

Does every bioenergy project in South Australia need an EPA licence?

No. Licensing depends on the type and scale of the activity. Smaller on-farm or on-site systems may fall below thresholds, but planning approval and other duties can still apply. Confirm with the South Australian Environment Protection Authority (EPA SA).

Can I sell or spread digestate?

Possibly, but processed organic outputs are usually regulated. Check whether a specific order, exemption or EPA requirement applies before supplying digestate or compost to others.

Can Shelby handle approvals for me?

No. Shelby helps you organise evidence and questions. Applications go through the regulator, council and network business, with qualified advisers where needed.

Sources & References

  • epa.sa.gov.au, EPA South Australia

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  • greenindustries.sa.gov.au, Green Industries SA

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  • plan.sa.gov.au, PlanSA

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  • legislation.sa.gov.au, South Australian legislation

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