Adelaide’s bid to host COP31

The South Australian Government has allocated $8.3m in the FY26 State Budget to support Adelaide’s preparations to host the United Nations COP31 Climate Change Conference in 2026.

The state is one of the fastest growing global leaders of decarbonisation, with 75% of its energy coming from renewable sources and a target of 100% renewables by 2027.

If Australia’s bid to host the event is successful, the funding from the South Australian Government will support early works for the event, including planning for security, transport and infrastructure.

To secure host status ahead of larger cities, the South Australian Government commissioned a feasibility analysis which confirmed Adelaide has the capacity to host the global event.

COP31 is anticipated to bring tens of thousands of business travellers to the city and a potential financial benefit to South Australia of more than $511.6m from the subsequent economic activity generated by tourism, trade and investment.

South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas says the event will be the biggest the state has ever seen.

“South Australia already has an enviable record for hosting big events, but COP31 presents an opportunity to firmly cement our state on the global stage, grow our economy and promote our already world leading position in the decarbonisation of industry and electricity,” he said.

South Australia Deputy Premier and Climate, Environment and Water Minister Susan Close says hosting the event will demonstrate how the state is addressing climate change to the global stage.

“With so many South Australian businesses working in the renewable energy space, it will provide an unprecedented opportunity for them to showcase their technology and know-how to global leaders,” she said.

“It will also provide an opportunity for South Australians to learn from and collaborate with other world leading jurisdictions on the path to net zero emissions.”

South Australia’s resource sector is at the forefront of the energy transition and continues to bolster the state’s economy following a significant 61% economic uplift state-wide over the past five years.

The sector now supports one in every 23 full-time jobs across the state, an 86% increase in direct employment over the previous five years.