Australian Greens Senator for South Australia Penny Wright says the Renewable Energy Target legislation that passed the Senate last night will hit South Australia hardest.

"South Australia is the biggest loser out of Labor and Liberal's dirty deal to cut the Renewable Energy Target.

"We have the highest percentage of homes with solar panels, the most energy sourced from renewables and the most investment now at risk.

"Not only do we lose the opportunity for more clean energy, but we lose the jobs and investment that spin off from renewable energy.

I move that the Senate:

1.       commiserates with the 440 workers who will lose their jobs at the Leigh Creek coal mine and Port Augusta coal-fired power stations, which are flagged for closure by 2018;

2.       recognises the outstanding leadership of the Repower Port Augusta Alliance and the Port Augusta City Council in working with the community to advocate for solar thermal to replace the outdated coal power stations;

The Australian Greens have called for government investment to kick-start a solar thermal plant at Port Augusta to replace the two power stations slated for closure.

Australian Greens Senator for South Australia Senator Penny Wright said jobs in the renewable energy sector could replace those expected to be lost in Port Augusta.

"Although the closure of the power stations was inevitable, it will hit the community very hard. This just makes it even clearer that the future has to be renewable," Senator Wright said.

The new climate agreements signed by the Adelaide City Council and State Governments have left the Abbott Government marooned, says Australian Greens Senator for SA Penny Wright.

"The Abbott Government's determination to destroy the renewable energy target is an international embarrassment and risks local jobs here in SA," Senator Wright said.

The Australian Greens have called for an increased commitment to renewable energy from all levels of government in light of Alinta Energy's determination that a solar thermal plant in Port Augusta remains unfeasible at this stage.

Australian Greens Senator for South Australia Senator Penny Wright said South Australians overwhelmingly wanted renewable energy to replace dirty coal power.

"The future is renewable - there is no doubt about that," Senator Wright said. "It's time for all governments to step up and take the leader to make solar thermal happen at Port Augusta."

Australian Greens Senator for South Australia Penny Wright says Prime Minister Tony Abbott must end the uncertainty around the future of the Renewable Energy Target, as South Australia announces plans to raise its target to 50 per cent.

"The Renewable Energy Target is cutting pollution, creating jobs and will bring power bills down," Senator Wright said.

South Australia stands to lose almost $3 billion of investment if Tony Abbott dumps the Renewable Energy Target, says SA Greens Senator Penny Wright.

New figures compiled by Senator Wright show South Australia will suffer more than any other state if the popular RET is scrapped.

“South Australia cannot afford to lose the RET,” Senator Wright said. “If the RET goes, $2.9 billion of investments in clean energy will go overseas instead.

As the Abbott Government makes its third attempt to repeal the carbon price, a new report has found South Australia faces a water crisis due to human-induced climate change.

Australian Greens Senator for South Australia Penny Wright says Prime Minister Abbott's stubborn ignorance on climate science was a betrayal of South Australians.

"While Tony Abbott goes for short-term political gain by scrapping a price on pollution, South Australia will pay dearly," Senator Wright said.