As Australia’s largest coal-fired plant announces an early closure, groups say government intervention in market ‘undermines confidence’
Clean energy companies have asked the federal government “not to get in the way” of the private sector by investing in another publicly owned gas-fired power station to replace Australia’s largest coal-fired plant.
The Nature Conservation Council of NSW estimated Eraring’s early exit could reduce the plant’s lifetime greenhouse gas emissions by up to 87m tonnes, and described it as a “ray of hope for leaving a safe climate for our children”.Taylor said the government would prefer the private sector to build the needed new capacity – likely to be batteries, pumped hydro and gas plants – but left open the possibility it would step in if it was not satisfied.
Thornton said the 660MW gas generator being built at Kurri Kurri was “an excellent example where the government had confused the market”. He said in an ideal world the federal government would introduce a national climate and energy policy to guide cleaner investment. He cited the example of the NSW electricity infrastructure roadmap, which passed parliament with multiparty support and is intended to underwrite the construction of 12GW of renewable energy and 2GW of storage.
– again imposed by some. But this is crucial to make sure that we have enough capacity coming into the market. We’ll work with all players to make sure we’ve got that.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NSW taxpayers could foot part of the bill to clean up EraringOrigin Energy has allocated $240 million in remediation costs for the Eraring coal-fired power station, but the NSW government may also have to pay some compensation.
Read more »
Clean Energy Finance Corporation spins off $200m private sector fundThe Clean Energy Finance Corporation is spinning out a specialist venture capital fund, which is raising $200 million to support the country’s cleantech start-ups.
Read more »
Coal plant closure shows Australia at forefront of global clean energy experimentThe shift to clean energy is gaining pace as cheap renewables pump more and more cheap power into the grid, undermining the business case of old coal plants.
Read more »
Politicising issues of national security 'not helpful', ASIO boss says'Foreign interference is against all members of parliament, so it doesn't go after one political party or the other.'
Read more »
Riley was on a feeding tube, not growing, when one call changed her life"We were just watching thinking &x27;she&x27;s just not getting a chance. This is not a good life for a little kid.&x27;"
Read more »
Riley was on a feeding tube, not growing, when one call changed her life"We were just watching thinking &x27;she&x27;s just not getting a chance. This is not a good life for a little kid.&x27;"
Read more »