RET scheme updates

Legislation to implement the enhanced Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme was passed by the Parliament on 24 June 2010. From 1 January 2011, the RET scheme will operate as two separate components—the Large scale Renewable Energy Target and the Small scale Renewable Energy Scheme.

Previous legislation to implement the expanded national RET scheme was passed by the Commonwealth Parliament on 20 August 2009. Higher annual targets commenced on 1 January 2010.

The RET legislation is accompanied by various regulations, including rules to implement aspects of the enhanced RET and to assistance for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed (EITE) activities under the RET.

Timetable

Event Status Related documents
Regulations to provide transitional arrangements to enable small-scale certificates that are to be supplied under existing contracts to be eligible under the new Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET). December 2010 Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment (Transitional Provision) Amendment Regulations 2010 (No. 1)
Regulations to to provide rules for the administrative framework to implement enhancements to the RET scheme. December 2010 Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Regulations 2010 (No. 8)
Regulations to include two additional activities for the provision of partial exemption certificates for activities defined as eligible under the emissions-intensive, trade-exposed assistance program October 2010 Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Regulations 2010 (No. 7)
Regulations to include 10 additional activities for the provision of partial exemption certificates for activities defined as eligible under the emissions-intensive, trade exposed assistance program October 2010 Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Regulations 2010 (No. 6)
Consultation on draft regulations to implement enhancements to the RET scheme. October 2010 Exposure draft regulations and commentary
Regulations relating to compliance and safety standards for small generation units, and assistance for emissions intensive, trade exposed activities September 2010 Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Regulations 2010 (No. 5)
Regulations relating to off-grid small generation units and to define alumina refining as an emissions-intensive trade-exposed activity July 2010 Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Regulations 2010 (No. 4)
Regulations to provide transitional arrangements for air source heat pumps with a volumetric storage capacity of 425 litres or greater which would otherwise no longer be eligible to create renewable energy certificates July 2010 Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment (Transitional Provision) Regulations 2010
Legislation to implement the enhanced RET was passed by Parliament June 2010 Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Act 2010
Regulations to strengthen the safety and performance of installations of small generation units June 2010 Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Regulations 2010 (No. 3)
Report by McLennan Magasanik Associates on the impacts of changes to the design of the expanded Renewable Energy Target May 2010 Report: Impacts of Changes to the Design of the Expanded Renewable Energy Target
Legislation to implement the enhanced RET was introduced into Parliament May 2010 Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Bill 2010
The Australian Government released a discussion paper—Enhanced Renewable Energy Target—for public consultation, outlining the Government’s policy on the new RET design announced on 26 February 2010 and seeking feedback on implementation aspects March 2010 Discussion paper—Enhanced the Renewable Energy Target (PDF 718 kB)
Regulations in force to implement assistance for emissions intensive, trade exposed (EITE) activities under the RET March 2010 RET scheme legislation
As part of negotiations on the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, the Commonwealth Government agreed that the current COAG process to review specific RET issues will also consider whether new waste coal mine gas projects should be eligible under the RET; and whether annual targets under the RET should be increased to offset additional Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) not backed by generation as part of the ‘Solar Credits’ mechanism. December 2009 Consultation on Additional Renewable Energy Target Issues
Exposure draft regulations to deliver partial exemptions from RET liability to all emissions-intensive trade-exposed (EITE) activities that would qualify for assistance under the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme released for public consultation December
2009
Exposure draft regulations and commentary

Consultation paper

As part of the process of designing the Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to examine further some of the eligibility provisions of the RET for new small?scale technologies as well as heat pumps and rules for off-grid resource projects to ensure that the eligibility rules remain relevant over time to reflect new technologies and recent developments in renewable technology and resource project development structures.

October 2009 COAG review of Specific Renewable Energy Target Issues
Legislation to implement the expanded national RET scheme passed by the Commonwealth Parliament

17 June 2009

RET scheme legislation
COAG agreement on RET scheme design

30 April 2009

RET scheme design

Report by McLennan Magasanik Associates on the benefits and costs of the expanded national RET scheme released.

February 2009

Report on benefits and costs of RET scheme (345 kB)

Consultation Paper

COAG Working Group on Climate Change and Water release consultation paper on treatment of electricity-intensive, trade-exposed industries under RET scheme.

December 2008

Consultation paper on treatment of electricity-intensive, trade-exposed industries under RET scheme (134 kB)

Submissions received for the Consultation the treatment of electricity?intensive, trade?exposed industries under the Renewable Energy Target
Exposure draft legislation on design of the RET scheme released for public comment.

December 2008

Submissions received for Renewable Energy Target scheme—exposure draft legislation

Consultation Paper

COAG Working Group on Climate Change and Water release consultation paper on key design issues of RET.

July 2008

Design options for the expanded national Renewable Energy Target scheme (194 KB)

Submissions received for the COAG Working Group on Climate Change and Water consultation paper

Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) Scheme introduced.

2001 Government Response to Tambling Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) Review Recommendations (304 kB)

Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Regulations 2007 (No.3)

Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Act 2006

Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Regulations 2006 (No.2)

Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Regulations 2005 (No.3)