¶ THE WA Government should follow Queensland’s example in planning for the state’s energy future, according to Shadow Energy Minister Dr Steve Thomas.
The Queensland Government this week revealed it is developing a five-year energy roadmap, including the extension of coal-fired generators, which it will deliver by the end of 2025.
Queensland Energy Minister David Janetzki said “coal generation will continue to play a central role” in the state’s grid.
Dr Thomas noted more than $400 million of Queensland Government investment has been dedicated to maintenance of government-owned generators in 2024-25.
The WA Government is targeting the closure of state-owned coal-fired power stations by 2029.
“It has been reported that Queensland will still transition to a low-emissions future, but will do so in a way that does not endanger supply,” Dr Thomas said.
“Which is exactly how the WA Government should be proceeding.”
This would be in line with Liberal energy policy released 10 months ago, Dr Thomas added.
“In that policy I said that we would extend the lifespan of existing coal generators where necessary and where possible until renewable generation supported by gas generation back-up and energy storage can meet the needs of the state,” he said.
“Given that the state will run out of power by 2027 on the current Labor plan for energy, it is urgent that the new minister review the existing policy and take a practical approach to transition in the same way the Queensland Government appears to have done.”