South Australia aiming to reach zero net emissions by 2050

South Australia is aiming to reach zero net emissions by 2050, according to the state’s Premier Jay Weatherill.

Weatherill made the announcement on Wednesday, following the release of the recommendations of the South Australian Low Carbon Economy Expert Panel which included former Liberal party leader John Hewson, ClimateWorks’ Anna Skarbek, and Frank Jotzo of the Australian National University.

The new target includes a 100 per cent renewable energy goal by 2050.

Premier Weatherill said: “As we head towards the Paris Climate Change Conference, SA has an opportunity to place itself at the forefront as a leader in transitioning to a low-carbon economy… One example is the potential for SA to be a low-carbon electricity powerhouse and a net exporter of renewable energy.”

He added: “The state’s abundant renewable electricity, combined with its rich resource base and existing manufacturing expertise, mean that the state could be a natural base for energy intensive mining and manufacturing industries in a low carbon world.”

The panel recommended that the state’s 100 per cent renewable energy target could be achieved “relatively quickly”, making South Australia a net exporter of renewables.

The state’s climate minister, Ian Hunter, said the panel also identified the state’s strengths in the education and training of a workforce for a carbon-constrained future.

Hunter said: “This means providing assistance for workers moving from industries in decline into new opportunities is critical, as is support for communities affected by rapid change… There are also significant innovative market opportunities for energy storage solutions from the state’s high penetration of solar PV… with the potential to attract and develop technology suppliers and expertise in the state.”

The panel also recommended against the development of nuclear power in South Australia, and said that new nuclear power plants were not cost effective for Australia’s smaller states.