Strategic Plan

The South Australian Government has developed a sustainability objective as part of South Australia's Strategic Plan .

The Energy Division is contributing to the development of policies that will assist in meeting energy requirements of South Australians while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring a sustainable future for all South Australians.

Tackling Climate Change Strategy

South Australia's Greenhouse Strategy, which can be downloaded from the Government's Climate change website will build upon existing initiatives and provide the impetus for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate change and innovation in markets, technologies, institutions and the way we live. It will establish actions and priorities that will be implemented over the next ten years with a view to making a long-term difference.

Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007

The nation's first climate change legislation became law on 3 July 2007. The Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007 makes South Australia the first place in Australia to legislate targets to reduce greenhouse emissions.
The legislation sets out three targets:

• to reduce by 31 December 2050 greenhouse gas emissions within the State by at least 60% to an amount that is equal to or less than 40% of 1990 levels as part of a national and international response to climate change
• to increase the proportion of renewable electricity generated so it comprises at least 20 per cent of electricity generated in the State by 31 December 2014
• to increase the proportion of renewable electricity consumed so that it comprises at least 20 per cent of electricity consumed in the State by 31 December 2014.

National Emissions Trading Taskforce

South Australia is participating in the National Emissions Trading Taskforce , established by Australian State and Territory Governments, to develop a multi-jurisdictional emissions trading scheme. A national trading system would create the conditions in which market forces are harnessed to drive reductions in Australia's greenhouse gas emissions in the most cost-effective way.

Ministerial Council on Energy

South Australia is working in partnership with the other State, Territory and Commonwealth Governments, through the Ministerial Council on Energy (MCE), to increase the use of energy efficiency, and to support renewable and distributed generation. More information on the MCE can be found at www.mce.gov.au .