South Australia will have a Royal Commission to investigate its role in all parts of the nuclear power cycle.

Premier Jay Weatherill announced the inquiry on Sunday, saying it would looks at the risks and potential of mining, enrichment, energy and storage phases in the life cycle of nuclear fuel.

South Australia contains vast uranium deposits, and has been involved in its production since the early nineteen-hundreds.

“We believe South Australians should be given the opportunity to explore the practical, financial and ethical issues raised by a deeper involvement in the nuclear industries,” Mr Weatherill said.

“It is now the time to engage in a mature and robust conversation about SA's future role in the nuclear industry.”

Weatherill said independent experts will be brought in to support the royal commission's work, and consultation to define the terms of reference will begin this week.

The Australian Youth Climate Coalition says the SA Government should focus on the state’s renewable energy potential rather than nuclear.

South Australia currently generates over 30 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources and has recently increased its Renewable Energy Target to 50 per cent by 2020, after modelling showed the previous target was rapidly being met.

The state was also home to Australia’s first Uranium mine, Radium Hill, which was opened in 1906.