State backs coal-fired power ‘for decades’ to come
A state government plans to keep coal-fired power plants open for decades, potentially putting pressure on federal emissions targets.
Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki will on Friday unveil a five-year energy roadmap that will formally scrap the former Labor government’s plan to phase out coal-fired power generators by 2035.
The long-awaited plan is angering environmentalists by calling for the state’s coal-fired power plants to continue burning until at least 2046.
“Coal will remain part of the state’s production mix for decades to come,” Mr. Janetzki said Friday.
“The former Labor government’s decision to close coal units by 2035, regardless of their condition, has been officially lifted today.”
The technical lifespan of Queensland’s coal-fired generators will now run until 2046, but the roadmap will allow the Liberal-National government to expand operations as necessary.
“This is a logical and pragmatic plan based on economics and engineering, not ideology,” Mr. Janetzki said of the government’s roadmap, which covers long-term targets for coal, gas, wind, solar and renewables.
“It will meet Queensland’s energy needs … while also providing investment certainty for private sector gas and renewable energy investors.”
The move to keep coal-fired plants running is likely to put pressure on the federal pledge to cut emissions by 62 to 70 percent by 2035 and reach 82 percent renewable electricity by 2030.
The state’s targets could also be affected by the LNP government’s commitment to reach net zero by 2050 and reviewing its pledge to cut emissions by 75 per cent by 2035.
Environmentalists have criticized the government’s plan to keep burning coal-fired plants, saying it would expose Queenslanders to higher energy prices and more climate disasters.
“This energy roadmap is designed to serve fossil fuel-loving party members and donors,” said Queensland Conservation Council Director Dave Copeman.
“The Queensland LNP’s moves to undermine renewable energy and storage projects, invest in expensive gas and chain Queenslanders to failing coal plants are a recipe for higher electricity bills and less reliable energy.
“If they continue down this path towards a fossil fuel fantasy world, they will leave Queenslanders facing further climate-induced disasters.”
The government’s plan will undermine Australia’s credibility on climate leadership at a critical time, according to the Clean Energy Investment Group.
Australia is bidding to host COP31, the world’s largest climate meeting, in 2026.
“Clear and timely decisions to phase out coal give investors the confidence to drive the energy transition,” said Marilyne Crestias of the Clean Energy Investment Group.
“These are essential to unlocking renewable and storage investment, reducing emissions and ensuring Queensland is on track to meet its energy and climate targets.
“The publication of Queensland’s five-year energy roadmap marks a key moment for the state’s energy transition, but it comes with a range of announcements that risk undermining investor confidence at a critical time.”
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