Explainer: What parties want on the Renewable Energy Target

Labor has confirmed it will no longer negotiate with the government over plans to reduce the renewable energy target. But what do the key political parties want on the Renewable Energy Target?

(AAP) Source: Press Association

What is the Renewable Energy Target?

• Designed to reduce emissions and encourage investment in renewable energy such as solar and wind.
• Requires 20 per cent of all power to come from renewable energy by 2020.
• The target of 41,000 gigawatt hours was set in 2010.
• Falling energy consumption means the target will exceed 20 per cent.
• Two parts: small scale which includes rooftop solar panels, large scale which includes projects like wind warms.

What the parties want:

GOVERNMENT

• Reduce the 41,000 gigawatt target to a "real 20 per cent" instead of 20 per cent on 2010 levels.
• Drop target to 27,000 gigawatts.
• Exempt energy-intensive, trade-exposed industries like aluminium.
• Protect solar rooftop program.

LABOR

• Prepared to offer "minimal compromise" of target in high 30,000s.
• Exempt energy-intensive, trade-exposed industries.
• Keep solar rooftop program.
• Won't resume negotiations until government demonstrates "significant shift" in position.

GREENS

Absolutely no change to RET.

PALMER UNITED PARTY

Will attempt to block any reduction to RET.