Antinuclear

The scheme is designed to reduce emissions from electricity, provide financial incentives for new renewable energy projects and ensure at least 20 per cent of Australia’s electricity come from renewable sources by 2020.

Curl Curl Solar Business Services director Nigel Morris said there was no sense to getting rid of the target, which among other things, provided a discount for solar installation in homes.

“We know 4.5 million Australians wake up every day and make a cup of coffee in a solar-powered house,” Mr Morris said. “For the government to consider axing the target … makes no sense.”

Solar Energy Industry Association national chair Brian England said Australia could be left behind.  “When the rest of the world increases renewable energy, we’re winding it back.”

Clean Energy Council acting chief executive Kane Thornton said the industry was affected by uncertainty. “People don’t want to invest in solar or wind when they don’t know if it has a future in Australia,” he said.

Solar Citizens campaigns director Claire O’Rourke said removing the target could increase power bills.

Manly Councillor Cathy Griffin said the event was a success.

“This is the biggest protest I’ve seen outside Tony Abbott’s office,” Ms Griffin said. “It shows people are passionate about renewable energy and going totally off fossil fuels.”