Adelaide: A Hub of Innovation, Affordability, and Renewable Energy
Adelaide is a dynamic city leading the way in renewable energy, innovation, and affordability. With 73% of its electricity generated from wind and solar, Adelaide is on track to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030. The city is also a hub for cutting-edge technology, agricultural research, and space industry growth, supported by a collaborative ecosystem that fosters innovation across multiple sectors. Known as Australia’s most cost-competitive city, Adelaide offers a high quality of life, making it an ideal place to live, work, and invest.
Renewable Energy Powerhouse
Adelaide stands as a global leader in renewable energy, generating 73% of its electricity from wind and solar power. The region's commitment to clean energy is steering Adelaide towards 100% renewable energy generation by 2030. With abundant wind and solar resources, coupled with advanced infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, Adelaide is well-positioned to become a world-class producer, user, and exporter of hydrogen, further solidifying its role in the global transition to net-zero emissions.
Source https://invest.sa.gov.au/
World-Class Renewable and Mineral Resources
South Australia is not only rich in renewable energy but also in critical minerals. The state boasts the world's largest zircon mine and holds 66% of Australia’s graphite and cobalt reserves, which are essential for lithium battery production. These resources position Adelaide as a vital player in global supply chains, especially as demand for minerals like copper, cobalt, and graphite increases with the energy transition.
Australia's Most Cost-Competitive City
Adelaide is recognized as Australia’s most cost-competitive city, offering a supportive business environment that fosters commercial success and scaling of operations. Businesses benefit from zero payroll tax for wages under AUD$1.5 million and enjoy the lowest state taxes on the mainland. South Australians pay an average of AUD$2,970 in state taxes, significantly less than the AUD$5,073 paid by Victorians. Additionally, average wages in South Australia are 8.7% below the national average, making it an attractive location for businesses and employees alike.
Source https://invest.sa.gov.au/
Advantage Adelaide: Live, Work & Play
Adelaide offers a high quality of life with one of the shortest daily work commutes among major mainland cities—21% shorter than Sydney. The city also boasts one of the lowest costs of living among Australian capitals, with a median house price of AUD$680,000, which is 44% lower than Sydney’s. Adelaide’s housing market is among the most affordable, with the most affordable unit rents and the third most affordable house rents in the country. The city provides accessible and affordable childcare, efficient public transport with no toll roads, and excellent public and private schools. Furthermore, Adelaide’s three public universities are ranked in the top 1% of the estimated 26,000 higher education institutions worldwide.
AUKUS Partnership: Strengthening South Australia's Defence Industry
The AUKUS partnership is a strategic trilateral security agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, aimed at enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific region. A key element of this partnership is the development of the SSN-AUKUS, a new conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine, with the first to be built in Australia by the early 2040s. South Australia plays a critical role in this initiative, with significant infrastructure development underway at the Osborne Naval Shipyard. This project is expected to bring AUD$2 billion in investment and create up to 9,500 jobs over the next four years. Renowned for its world-class research, innovation, and a highly skilled workforce, South Australia is a cornerstone of Australia's defence capabilities, contributing to major programs like the Hunter Class Frigates, Collins Class Submarines, and the Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels.
Source https://invest.sa.gov.au/
A Leader in AI and Data Capability
Adelaide has emerged as a hub for cutting-edge technology, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics. Ranked among the top six globally for computer vision research, Adelaide is fostering an ecosystem that brings together research, education, and industry to develop next-generation technology products and services. The Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre and other tech hubs are central to this thriving innovation environment.
Source https://invest.sa.gov.au/
Adelaide BioMed City and Health Innovation
The Adelaide BioMed City, with an investment of AUD$3.8 billion, is a cornerstone of the region’s health and life sciences sector. It brings together clinical care, research, education, and industry to drive innovation from bench to bedside. Adelaide’s unique data infrastructure, including a centralised electronic medical record system, supports advanced research and development in digital health and precision medicine. This makes the region an attractive destination for global tech and pharma companies.
Source https://invest.sa.gov.au/
Connected Health and Clinical Trials
Home of Australia’s medtech programs , guiding product development from idea to manufacturing. Adelaide’s health sector is further strengthened by its collaborative ecosystem, which integrates AI, digital health, and precision medicine. The region’s efficient regulatory framework and comprehensive clinical trial capabilities make it an ideal location for global pharmaceutical companies to conduct research and development. With a strong focus on medtech innovation and commercialisation, Adelaide is positioned as a strategic entry point for exploring the Australian clinical trials sector. South Australia has a 43.5% R&D tax incentive supporting companies across R&D activities in Australia, making it the Largest concentration of clinical research in the southern hemisphere.
Agricultural Research Excellence
Adelaide is home to the largest concentration of world-class agricultural research in the Southern Hemisphere. The Waite Research Precinct underpins South Australia's extensive research and development capabilities in agricultural production. This focus on agricultural innovation supports the state’s robust biosecurity frameworks and traceability systems, ensuring its reputation for producing clean, green, and safe food.
Source https://invest.sa.gov.au/
Space Industry Growth
Adelaide's space industry is rapidly expanding, with over 100 space organisations based in the region. The Australian Space Agency, headquartered in Adelaide, is driving the national space industry towards a goal of AUD$12 billion and 20,000 new jobs by 2030. The SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre and the Space Incubator Program are fostering innovation and collaboration in space technologies, from satellite manufacturing to mission control services.
Food, Wine, and Agribusiness
Adelaide's primary industries and agribusiness sector are key drivers of the state's economy, contributing AUD$17.3 billion in revenue. The region is known for its high-quality food and wine production, with nearly half of all manufacturing in South Australia related to food and beverage processing. This sector not only supports local employment but also plays a significant role in the state’s export economy.
Adelaide’s diverse and innovative industries, combined with its affordability and high quality of life, make it an ideal location for both businesses and residents looking for a city that offers a balanced and prosperous future.