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Government of South Australia - Department of State Development

    Clean energy

    South Australia continues to lead the transition to a low-carbon economy, with targets to achieve 100 percent net renewable electricity generation and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    Top 10 occupations in demand

    The state of the sector now

    75%renewable energy generation, making the state a world-leader
    70renewable energy projects connected across the network [10]
    $19Bin the investment pipeline [11]
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    Interested in developing skills for jobs in clean energy?

    What’s driving demand?

    South Australia is recognised as a world leader in renewable energy integration, with renewable sources providing more than 75 percent of the state’s net electricity generation in 2025.

    The state has targets to achieve 100 percent net renewable electricity generation by 2027, to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60 percent by 2030 and to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Continued investment in wind, solar, storage and transmission infrastructure is supporting this transition to a low-carbon economy.

    As global economies decarbonise, South Australia’s renewable energy resources and established capability present opportunities to support sustainably produced goods and services across a range of industries. This is stimulating local business activity, fostering innovation and driving workforce demand.

    Workforce availability remains a key consideration for the clean energy transition. Demand for workers in renewable energy, construction, engineering and electrical trades is expected to increase, with regional recruitment and competition with other major projects adding to workforce pressures.

    Major government initiatives driving demand

    The South Australian Government is working to make the most of the state’s abundant wind, solar and mineral resources, particularly in the Upper Spencer Gulf.

    The State Prosperity Project focuses on unlocking opportunities in renewable energy, critical minerals and green manufacturing, including South Australia’s strengths in sun, wind, copper and magnetite iron ore.

    South Australia’s Green Iron and Steel Strategy sets out a vision to position the state as a partner of choice for decarbonised steelmaking. The South Australian Government is also supporting the long-term transformation of the Whyalla Steelworks as part of efforts to establish a globally competitive and sustainable steel industry.

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    Skills in demand

    Workforce shortages are one of the most critical issues facing the renewable energy transition, with surveys showing shortages in vital roles such as electricians, metal fitters, and renewable installation specialists.

    Top 10 occupations in demand and shortage status

    Occupation*Level of future demandYears in shortageTraining pathway
    ElectriciansStrongShortage since 2021VET
    Construction ManagersStrongShortage since 2021VET or Higher Education
    Motor MechanicsStrongShortage since 2021VET
    Structural Steel and Welding Trades WorkersStrongShortage since 2021VET
    Civil Engineering ProfessionalsStrongShortage since 2021Higher Education
    Architectural, Building and Surveying TechniciansStrongNo shortage

    VET or Higher Education

    Metal Fitters and MachinistsStrongNo shortageVET
    Production ManagersModerateNo shortageVET or Higher Education
    Industrial, Mechanical and Production EngineersStrongShortage since 2021Higher Education
    Electrical EngineersStrongShortage since 2021Higher Education

    * As defined in Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, 2022 Australian Update

    ** According to Jobs and Skills Australia’s Occupation Shortage Lists (for South Australia)

    Skill shortage definition: Shortages exist when employers are unable to fill or have considerable difficulty filling vacancies for an occupation - or significant specialised skill needs within that occupation - at current levels of remuneration and conditions of employment and in reasonably accessible locations. Jobs and Skills Australia 2024.

    Workforce development plans

    The following workforce development plans support the development of the clean energy workforce.

    • The Upper Spencer Gulf Workforce Strategy aims to ensure career opportunities from traditional and emerging industries are accessible, to support the state’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
    • The Powering Skills Organisation, the Jobs and Skills Council for the Australian energy, gas, and renewables sector, has developed a Workforce Plan for South Australia. It suggests more specialised VET trainers in areas like the energy sector are needed to grow the skilled workforce and avoid delaying project timelines and raising costs.

    Support to develop skills or undertake training

    Spencer Gulf Jobs and Skills Hub

    This Hub, co-located at the Whyalla TAFE SA, connects workers in the area with job opportunities, information, services and training, as a key initiative, under the Upper Spencer Gulf Workforce Strategy.

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    Clean Energy Capital Investment Fund

    South Australia is also participating in the Australian Government’s delivery of the Clean Energy Capital Investment Fund. This fund is expanding training capacity at facilities that support clean energy or resources sector skill development.

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    VET pathways into a clean energy career

    VET courses now include training in electric vehicle maintenance and repair, while traditional trades such as electrical and plumbing are being updated with new training units to support the transition to net zero.

    VET is also playing a critical role in developing technicians skilled in battery storage systems, solar installation, and grid integration.

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    References

    [10] Leading the green economy | Energy & Mining

    [11] Leading the green economy | Energy & Mining