Renewable energy's share of the electricity sector will plateau from 2020 under the Turnbull government's new energy plan, which critics say will make it harder for Australia to meet its climate goals and dent jobs in the industry.

According to the briefing document provided this week by the government, the share of renewable energy would be 28-36 per cent, including hydro and solar photovoltaics, by 2030.

The share of intermittent renewable energy, such as solar and wind, would be "about 18-24 per cent" by 2030, the advice said, adding the Australian Energy Market Commission would analyse the expected mix as part of "detailed modelling" yet to be done.

Energy analysts, the Greens and Labor have criticised the proposal, noting the share is less than even the "business as usual" forecast for 2030 contained in the Finkel review prepared earlier this year by Chief Scientist Alan Finkel and his team. (See chart below.)