The official launch of the Perth Wave Energy Project was an important milestone for this exciting new renewable energy technology and the future of Australian energy generation, the peak body for the clean energy industry said today.

Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton congratulated Carnegie Wave Energy on the opening of the Perth project, which is the only wave power plant in the world to operate multiple wave units.

"Wave energy is an emerging technology with huge potential, and Carnegie is one of the companies leading the way with this world-first project using CETO technology," Mr Thornton said.

"Investment in early stage technology development is vital for new renewable energy technologies, like wave energy, to reach their full potential.

"Thanks to Carnegie's hard work and funding support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the Perth Wave Energy Project is now generating electricity - but more than that, it is also showcasing to the world that Australia is where innovation and groundbreaking new technology developments can happen," he said.

Mr Thornton said the review of the Renewable Energy Target was casting a shadow over the future of the renewable energy industry in Australia.

"With new investment in most of the renewable energy sector on hold due to the Federal Government's review of the Renewable Energy Target, today's announcement is a bright spot in an otherwise cloudy outlook for clean energy in Australia," he said.

"The entire renewable energy industry urges the Federal Government to bring an end to this review and lock in a strong future for renewable energy in Australia."