South Australia has outlined a series of policy measures that are aimed at insulating the state from the recent spate of damaging blackouts as it seeks more secure electricity supplies – sparking immediate criticism that by effectively going it alone, the state could create additional problems for the national energy market.

A government-owned gas power plant forms the cornerstone of the $550 million plan, which also features a large battery storage project, a second gas power station to be built by the private sector backed by a contract to supply the state government and other measures to encourage the development of additional gas resources and an energy security target for the state.

"We're taking charge of our energy future," Premier Jay Weatherill​ said of the series of measures outlined on Tuesday, which include giving additional ministerial powers to direct the market to operate in the interests of South Australians.

He also promised that the steps would help to reduce power prices, although this would likely occur once all of the measures were in place.