Labor reckons coal is set to continue to provide a significant share of Australia's electricity generation until 2030.
But Labor climate change and energy spokesman Mark Butler says some "honesty" is needed in the debate over the future of energy, as Australia seeks to meet its global emissions targets.
"We need to be honest about the fact that we're not going to increase our share of coal-fired power," he told reporters in Adelaide on Friday.
"The direction of coal-fired power as a share in the electricity system is going to go down.
"(Nationals leader) Barnaby Joyce and (former prime minister) Tony Abbott pretending otherwise is simply seeking to scuttle these negotiations that we're trying to approach in a constructive way."
Mr Butler was speaking ahead of the release of a major report by chief scientist Dr Alan Finkel into the electricity market, which is expected to recommend a new clean energy target.
Mr Joyce told Sky News on Friday the target needed to include scope for new coal-fired power.
"If you can provide low emissions power through coal, then you should be able to do it," Mr Joyce said.
He said bipartisan support was needed to lock in a new policy for the long-term and provide certainty for future investors in energy.
"The uncertainty is there, because someone says: 'If we build a coal-fired power station, it's a billion dollar investment, and though I would love you to be in government forevermore, you're not going to be. And therefore, what does the other side say?'" Mr Joyce said.
