The state relies heavily on wind and solar energy, as well as its interconnectors to coal-fired power in the National Electricity Market when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.

Speaking in Adelaide, Di Natale said the Greens’ $15 billion Renew Australia plan, which the party is taking to the next federal election, would see the creation of 800-1000 jobs in a state that desperately needs them, while setting a course for South Australia to be powered by 100% clean energy by 2030.

Australia wide, the plan calls for 90% renewable generation within 15 years, a target many industry groups do not believe is practical.

“Transitioning to clean energy is the key to unlocking South Australia’s economic potential and combating global warming. While both Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten talk about tackling climate change, they have locked us into the industries of the last century, supporting coal and vested interests,” he said.

“It is a testing time for South Australia. The Whyalla community is facing the possible closure of its major employer while Port Augusta prepares to close its coal-fired power station. Thousands of jobs have been lost in this state yet our vision for a clean energy future would see this state thrive.”

South Australian Greens Senator Robert Simms said the state should be excited about the proposal to build a 110 megawatt solar thermal tower near Port Augusta.

“Building a solar thermal plant would create 1000 construction jobs in a region where they are badly needed. The Greens’ plan would cement SA as a nation-leader in clean energy production and also in advanced manufacturing and sustainable agriculture,” Senator Simms said.

“This plan will deliver major new clean energy projects where the sun shines and the wind blows by working with industry and the community through a combination of reverse auctions and direct investment.”

The plant would create 50 ongoing jobs.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said while job losses often made the headlines in SA, she said there is a bright future in clean energy for the state.

“We know SA needs a drastic change to get our economy ticking and creating more jobs. It’s obvious we need a plan for the future. The Greens have the courage to help transition the state to a clean energy future, providing secure 21st century jobs in Adelaide and in regional SA,” she said.

“This is a plan that doesn’t tether us to volatile world markets, so if an industry like the Arrium steel works in Whyalla, Holden in Elizabeth, and the Port Augusta power station, faces closure, these areas can still thrive.

“This is a necessary next chapter in South Australia’s clean energy story.”

As part of the policy Greens want to establish a $500 million government authority to drive clean energy projects, heading towards an ambitious target of 358 terawatt hours by 2030.

“Renew Australia would deliver a 15-year pipeline of clean energy projects through a combination of reverse auctions and direct investment,” Di Natale said.

Greens announced their 90% target last year, far beyond the Australian Labor Party’s 50% renewables target or the Turbull Government’s 24% target for 2020.

Some 250 jobs were lost at the Leigh Creek coal mine last year, and another 200 jobs will go in just a few weeks when Port Augusta’s coal fired power station closes its doors, and thousands more are at risk if Arrium is forced to shut up its steelmaking business at Whyalla.

SA has the nation’s highest unemployment rate at 7.7%.