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Alliance and the Port Augusta City Council in working with the community to advocate for solar thermal to replace the outdated coal power stations;

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.

The Australian Greens are urging the Federal Government to commit to supporting local communities, regional jobs and a sustainable future, by supporting Alinta Energy's plans to build a solar-thermal plant in Port Augusta.­

Power company Alinta Energy is reportedly meeting with the Federal Government this week regarding the establishment of a solar-thermal power station in Port Augusta.