2016-05-26
Greens Energy spokesperson Adam Bandt has welcomed reports that Australia’s dirtiest coal fired power station, Hazelwood, may close, but warned that Federal and State governments urgently need to put in place polices to ensure an orderly retirement of coal fired powered stations and a transition for the affected communities.
Hazelwood’s parent company Engie is reported to have said, in evidence to the French Senate, that it is reviewing the future of Hazelwood, including possible closure.
The Greens' 'Renew Australia' plan would put in place emission performance standards for power stations that would enable planned closure and the recently introduced 'Renew Australia' bill requires a timetable to be prepared within the next 12 months for the planned phase-out of coal fired power stations.
“The Turnbull government can no longer keep its head in the sand about the future of coal-fired power stations.”
“The energy market operator has said there is excess energy in the grid. Power stations like Hazelwood are redundant and we need a plan to retire them so investment in clean energy and a transition for workers can begin.”
Read more about the Greens’ plan to Renew Australia at www.greens.org.au/renew.
Media contact: Adam Pulford, 0429 109 054