South Australia’s (SA) electricity demand is forecast to double over the next 15 years, underpinned by affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity, a new report has revealed.
According to ElectraNet’s 2026 Transmission Annual Planning Report (TAPR), peak demand is expected to rise from around 3.3 gigawatts (GW) to more than 6.5 GW.
The report points to record levels of interest from projects seeking to connect to SA’s transmission network, underpinned by the state’s high share of renewable generation and grid capability.
Simon Emms, Chief Executive at ElectraNet, shared that SA is entering a period of significant economic expansion, supported by its clean energy resources and access to critical minerals.
“South Australia is facing a jobs boom as industries seek to access the state’s unique combination of valuable minerals and world-class wind and solar renewable energy,” Emms said.
The TAPR highlights strong growth across multiple regions. In Adelaide, specifically the mid-north and the south-east, demand is expected to be driven by data centres, artificial intelligence applications and defence activity, including development at the Osborne Naval Shipyard.
In the Eyre Peninsula and Upper Spencer Gulf increased demand is expected, linked to mining, minerals processing and the revival of steelmaking at Whyalla, alongside major infrastructure initiatives such as the Northern Water project.
ElectraNet explained that realising this growth will depend on timely investment in transmission infrastructure to connect new generation and manage rising demand.
“Transmission infrastructure will be vital to create an electricity superhighway, taking energy from the source to where it’s needed, and managing the peaks and troughs of demand,” Emms said.
The TAPR identifies several priority developments over the next decade. The proposed Northern Transmission Project would expand network capability across northern and eastern SA, supporting energy reliability and enabling new generation.
On the Eyre Peninsula, an upgrade to increase the capacity of the Cultana-Yadnarie lines to 275 kilovolt (kV) is expected by 2027-28, supporting mining and manufacturing growth and additional renewable energy projects.
In the south-east of SA, network expansion is planned to improve access for emerging industries, including timber processing, food manufacturing and renewable generation such as wind and biomass.
“New transmission will be essential to connect new generation and storage to existing customer demand, and to meet increasing demand from electrification and emerging industrial expansion,” Emms said.
The TAPR also notes that significant untapped renewable energy potential remains in northern SA, which could support long-term supply as demand continues to grow.
To read the full 2026 Transmission Annual Planning Report, click here [PDF].
