Deal expected on renewable energy target

WHAT IS THE RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGET?

* The Renewable Energy Target, or RET, is designed to encourage investment in renewable energy such as solar and wind, to reduce carbon emissions.

* It requires 20 per cent of all power to come from renewable energy by 2020.

* The previous target of using 41,000 gigawatt hours of renewable energy was based on 2010 energy levels but those levels have changed.

* If targets aren't reached fines are imposed on energy companies.

* The political impasse is over establishing a pared-backed target.

WHAT THEY WANT:

GOVERNMENT

* Initially wanted to reduce target to 27,000GWh.

* Compromised to 32,000GWh and insisted that was the final offer.

* Cabinet approved a move to 33,000GWh after two coalition MPs spoke out in favour and peak business groups backed that figure.

LABOR

* Offered target in mid-to-high 30,000s.

* Later backed clean energy industry's compromise of 33,500GWh.

* Indicated willingness to move to 33,000GWh

AUSTRALIAN GREENS

* Want to keep the original target of 41,000GWh.

INDUSTRY

* Renewables industry: 33,500Gwh.

* Business: 33,000GWh