RET threat challenges SA targets

He set the new target late last month, saying it could be worth $10 billion to the state.

His announcement came only a short time after the release of the federal government's Warburton review, which recommends scaling back - or possibly ending - its renewable energy targets.

Mr Weatherill said the review, and lack of clarity from the federal government, had brought the green energy sector to a halt.

"There are hundreds, if not thousands of SA jobs in the renewable sector - these are the growth areas we should be supporting, not undermining," he said.

"The sovereign risk created by the federal government's unnecessary and unexplained review into the national RET has caused a number of projects to be placed on hold, putting many construction projects and ongoing jobs at risk."

In 2009, the state government set a target for SA to achieve 33pc of electricity generated from renewable sources by 2020.

Figures from August are expected to show the state has already exceeded this target.

Australian Greens' Sen Penny Wright has called on Prime Minister Tony Abbott to reject the review and end uncertainty for the state.

"SA leads the nation in renewable energy," she said.

"It is a key part of our economic future.

"Uncertainty is already costing SA, so Tony Abbott needs to stand up for local jobs and smart manufacturing by binning the Warburton review."

Figures from the Climate Institute, a policy think-tank, show that SA could lose up to $2.3b, if the federal RET is reduced and $2.9b if it is removed.

Snowtown landholder Paul McCormack said the RET and windfarms had been of benefit to his community.

He had one turbine installed in the first stage of the Snowtown project and more erected in the second stage, to be officially opened next month.

"It's been a win-win for the town and the recipients of the turbines," Mr McCormack said. He applauded the steps the state had taken to set itself up as the biggest producer of wind farm technology, but he is concerned by the prospect of the federal government moving away from renewable sources.

* Full report in Stock Journal, October 2, 2014 issue.