South Australia has officially entered the race to host the prestigious COP31 climate change conference in 2026, positioning itself as a frontrunner thanks to its global leadership in renewable energy and hydrogen investments.

The event, which would bring together representatives from 197 nations, is expected to attract over 30,000 attendees and generate more than $500 million in economic benefits for the state.

SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said South Australia is already a world leader in renewable energy and decarbonisation and hosting COP31 would firmly put our state on the global map.

“This conference would attract tens of thousands of people and hundreds of millions of dollars into our state, as well as providing an incredible opportunity to market our state to investors across the world,” he said.

“We are a state which recognises the challenge of climate change, but we haven’t waited for others to lead, we have chosen to take world-leading action. This makes us the natural and logical choice to host COP31 in 2026.”

COP, or the Conference of the Parties, is the United Nations’ primary decision-making body on climate change. The Australian Commonwealth government has been vying for the rights to host COP31, and South Australia is now pushing to be the host state if Australia secures the event.

In preparation for its bid, the South Australian government commissioned a comprehensive feasibility analysis that concluded Adelaide has the infrastructure and capability to accommodate COP31. The study highlighted that, with appropriate planning, the state’s capital could provide a secure, world-class experience for the influx of international delegates. The Adelaide Convention Centre and surrounding precincts have been identified as potential venues.

Hosting the event is projected to deliver a potential economic boost of $511.6 million to South Australia, driven by increased tourism, trade, investment, and enhanced global branding for the state. This aligns with the vision of the SA Business Chamber, which had earlier proposed the state undertake a feasibility study for hosting COP.

“Our leadership in renewables and track record in running flagship global events sees us well placed to make a compelling bid,” said Andrew Kay, Chief Executive of the SA Business Chamber. “Hosting COP would not only boost the economy but also cement our credentials as a world leader in renewable energy, enhancing Adelaide and South Australia’s global image.”

South Australia has already made significant strides toward decarbonization, with 75% of its energy currently sourced from renewables and a target of achieving 100% by 2027.

The state is home to the world’s first large-scale battery built by Tesla and is developing the world’s largest hydrogen electrolyser and power station in Whyalla. Future renewable projects worth approximately $20 billion are also in the pipeline.

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