The Australian Greens have welcomed plans from a second company working towards building a solar thermal plant in Port Augusta.

"It's fantastic to see a second solid proposal to build a solar thermal plant in Port Augusta. The world is seeing what the community and The Greens have seen for years: Port Augusta is on the cusp of being a renewables powerhouse," Greens Senator for South Australia Robert Simms said.

Greens Senator for South Australia Robert Simms says Australian governments need to commit to using steel made in Australia for major infrastructure projects, to support the Australian steel industry and save workers' jobs.

It was reported today that structural steel made overseas has been used in the construction of South Australia's new Royal Adelaide Hospital.

The Australian Greens call on the Government to provide urgent mental health support to the Whyalla Community as part of any plan to assist in securing the future of the steel industry.

"My thoughts are with the 1100 steelworkers in Whyalla and 7000 across the country during this time of job insecurity. The Government needs to fight for this steelworks to continue operating to ensure Whyalla thrives into the future.

Greens Senator for South Australia Robert Simms is in Whyalla today attending a public hearing for the Senate Inquiry into the Future of Australia's Steel Industry.

"It is critical that steelworks like Arrium in Whyalla have the support they need to continue sustainable operations into the future. Arrium is a major employer in Whyalla and the loss of steelworks manufacturing here would be devastating for the community," Senator Simms said.

The Senate has backed a motion from Australian Greens Senator Robert Simms calling on the government to refocus South Australia's car manufacturing industry on electric cars.

"It's great to see the senate backing this motion for more job creation in SA. Electric car production is a multi-billion industry and one of the fastest growing in the world. Investing in this industry provides an opportunity for us to harness the skills and experience of our manufacturing industry and create new jobs," Senator Simms said.

Australian Greens Senator for South Australia Robert Simms is calling on the Federal Government to back his bill currently before parliament to kick-start electric car production in SA, following news that hundreds of jobs will be lost from Holden in Adelaide's North.

"My thoughts are with Holden workers during this difficult time," Senator Simms said.

Australian Greens Senator for South Australia Robert Simms is calling on the Federal and South Australian governments to assist the mid-north of this state in transitioning to a clean energy future, providing jobs and security for the region, following the announcement that more than 1100 jobs are at risk in Whyalla.

 Australian Greens Senator for South Australia, Robert Simms, has decried the lack of funding for electric vehicles in South Australia as a wasted opportunity in the government's innovation statement today.

"The Turnbull Government's lack of funding in today's innovation statement for electric vehicles and green cars is a huge oversight," Senator Simms said.

"The electric and sustainable car industry is set to be worth upwards of $500 billion globally by 2025, and government support would help propel Australia as a key player.