The clean energy industry was given the green light to proceed with an estimated $20 billion expansion over the next decade, after the Senate passed the government’s 20 percent renewable energy legislation on August 19.

The legislation, which has delayed for months, passed after a compromise was reached by the government and Opposition party. The final bill, which requires 20 percent of electricity to come from renewable sources by 2020, involves greater level of assistance for heavy polluting industries.

The legislation will greatly benefit renewable energy industries and will immediately make rooftop solar panels cheaper than they have been since an $8000 rebate was axed in June. Investors have dozens of plans for new wind farms ready to go, according to press reports, while investment in electricity from tidal and wave technologies will get a boost.

Passage of the renewables legislation gives a glimmer of hope for the emissions trading scheme, which t government intends to reintroduce legislation for by November. If defeated then, it will become a trigger for an early, double dissolution election.