S.A. Liberals Shift Stance Again on Energy Policy After Election Blow

From Renewables to Nuclear – and Back Again

The South Australian Liberal Party has made yet another major shift in its energy policy. After previously setting the state’s first 100% renewables target in government, and later embracing nuclear power while in opposition, the party has now distanced itself from its nuclear push following a crushing federal election defeat.

A Leader in Renewable Energy

South Australia remains a global leader in renewable energy, with wind and solar contributing 72% of local demand over the past year. The original 2030 net renewables target set by the Liberal government in 2019 was fast-tracked to 2027 by the current Labor government and legislated as part of a broader push towards a cleaner energy future.

Nuclear U-Turn Following Electoral Losses

Liberal leader Vincent Tarzia, who last year backed the federal Coalition’s nuclear ambitions, including a proposed site at Port Augusta, has now walked away from the policy. Speaking on ABC Radio Adelaide, he stated that nuclear had been “comprehensively rejected” by voters, prompting the reversal of the party’s previous election pledge to hold a Royal Commission into the technology.

Fallout Over Election Promises

The retreat comes just months after the Liberals made nuclear a core energy policy, even appointing a Shadow Minister for Nuclear Readiness. With the recent loss of federal seats, including the long-held Liberal stronghold of Sturt, pressure has mounted for a policy overhaul.

Labor Slams Liberal Backflip

State Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis criticized the abrupt policy reversal, accusing the Liberals of having no clear energy agenda. He called on Tarzia to dismiss the nuclear spokesperson, pointing out that the policy had no viable economic backing and would only raise energy costs for South Australians.

Nuclear Not Competitive, Says CSIRO

Backing this argument, the CSIRO’s GenCost 2024-25 report concluded that nuclear energy is not economically viable compared to renewables, with estimated development times exceeding 15 years. This echoed findings from the 2016 Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission, which similarly declared nuclear energy uncommercial in the South Australian context.

EServices4U: Supporting Smart Transitions in Energy

As the energy landscape evolves, EServices4U remains committed to helping communities and businesses transition to cleaner, smarter energy solutions. With expert services in energy procurement, bill audits, solar and wind installations, and sustainable energy consulting, we help shape a future built on renewables. Learn more at www.eservices4u.com.au