Peak Environment Group Condemns LNP’s failure to plan for energy transition

David Crisafulli’s comments today that the LNP will keep Queensland’s coal power stations open indefinitely have been condemned by the Queensland Conservation Council.

Queensland Conservation Council Director Dave Copeman said:

If David Crisafulli becomes Premier, he will have the power to ensure renewables are built in time to close coal fired power stations. Today’s statement indicates that he intends to fail at this responsibility. 

You can’t reach 75% emissions reductions by 2035 without closing coal-fired power stations. If the LNP is serious about keeping coal open indefinitely, they can’t be serious about taking action on climate change and reducing power bills for Queenslanders.

The LNP is all over the shop on energy and climate – one day they say they want to cut emissions by 75%, the next they say they'll keep coal open indefinitely

The Shadow Energy Minister Deb Frecklington has said publicly more than once that the LNP supports the trajectory of Queensland’s renewable energy targets. This is completely incompatible with keeping coal open on life support past their planned retirement dates. 

The next coal power station in Queensland that is set to retire is Callide B in 2028 when it reaches the end of its operating life. There’s a strong pipeline of renewable energy and storage progressing in Queensland so we’re on track to replace it. 

The only thing that needlessly delaying coal past its used-by-date achieves is hurting new renewable energy investment and making Queenslanders pay to keep ageing technology chugging along.

A recent analysis by the Queensland Conservation Council found that current policy settings and government investment mean that Queensland is on track to replace Callide B, but wholesale electricity prices could rise by up to 36%, or an average of $200, if policy uncertainty delays new renewable projects.

State-wide polling shows that 57% of Queenslanders agree we need to quickly bring online more renewable energy to prevent energy supply shortfalls and bring down power prices, and the majority want the Queensland LNP to support the state’s renewable energy targets.

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