SOUTH Australia is poised to become the world's next energy export powerhouse, making this state the "next Saudi Arabia", a top economic forecaster predicts.
Access Economics, traditionally the voice of doubt on the state's financial stability, today releases an optimistic view of the future, The Advertiser reports.
It acknowledges the potential wealth of SA's uranium reserves, but also posts a warning: Start preparing new investment projects or risk the state's long-term success.
The quarterly Investment Monitor lists $37 billion of current and potential projects, such as the mammoth Olympic Dam expansion - the start of which is yet to be confirmed by BHP Billiton - and the $1.8 billion Port Stanvac desalination plant.
Saudi Arabia contains almost one quarter of the world's proven oil reserves. As a result, the country of 27.6 million people is one of the world's most economically powerful nations. Oil sales make up almost 75 per cent of that government's $294 billion in annual revenue.
The report points to the state's uranium reserves as the secret to potential Australia-wide and global energy leadership.
