Yoorndoo Ilga

The project is proposed as an integrated but separately financed and operated development comprising a 250 MW / 1,000 MWh four-hour battery energy storage system (BESS), followed by and up to 300 MW of photovoltaic solar farm. These assets will feed into the Cultana East Substation and will support the reinvigoration of Whyalla.  

The project name reflects the cultural significance of the site and acknowledges the Barngarla as the First Peoples and freehold landowners. “Yoorndoo Ilga” means “having or possessing the sun” in the Barngarla language and was selected by the Barngarla community as the preferred name for the project. 

The project holds Development Approval and is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the local community.  

At the end of the project’s operational life, the infrastructure will be decommissioned in accordance with regulatory requirements and landholder agreements, with equipment removed, land rehabilitated, and opportunities for reuse or repowering assessed to ensure a responsible and sustainable exit strategy. 

The Project Includes

As South Australia is rapidly evolving its energy mix, the state’s electricity supply is increasingly dependent on renewables, especially solar and wind. This brings about times of oversupply (during strong solar generation periods) and shortfalls (when solar output drops), creating a strong need for battery storage and grid-stability services.

Revera is focused on the development of three multi utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS); Bungama, Robertstown, and Yoorndoo Ilga. These projects will provide critical storage capacity to enhance grid reliability, support renewable integration, and deliver dispatchable clean energy. 

Comprehensive impact assessments have guided the project design, addressing key conservation specific biodiversity, soil and water management, and traffic considerations.

A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be approved and implemented to manage impacts throughout construction, with an Operations Management Plan (OMP) in line with legislative requirements, and further plan for decommissioning.

In addition, Threatened Species Management Plans will likely be developed to address key, known EPBC Listed species.

Measures include rolling vegetation clearance, implementing erosion and dust controls, managing waste responsibly, and limiting noise and traffic.  

The partnership alliance model between Yoorndoo Ilga Solar and the Barngarla People is central to the project’s success and to the broader community benefits it is designed to deliver. This includes employment opportunities across the Whyalla region during both construction and operations, as well as wider economic stimulus through increased local investment and spending. 

In recognition of this unique and innovative partnership model, Yoorndoo Ilga Solar received the Energy Sector Commendation in the Community category at the South Australian Energy and Mining Premier's Awards. The award highlights the return of land from the Crown to Native Title Holders and the positive outcomes delivered for the BDAC community, the Whyalla region and the state of South Australia. 

Revera is committed to ongoing engagement with its host communities, including consultation with landholders, community members and local Councils.

Cultural Heritage Management Protocols will be prepared in consultation with BDAC, to protect and manage cultural heritage values in the area.

The aim is to ensure the Yoorndoo Project not only delivers clean energy but also creates long-term social, environmental, and economic value for the region.