Victorian Coalition vows not to speed up coal power plant closures

The Victorian Coalition has declared it will not accelerate the closure of the state's coal-fired power stations, a move that could set it apart from the current government's renewable energy targets. National Party member Martin Cameron announced the plan, citing concerns about potential electricity shortfalls as highlighted by the Victorian Auditor-General.

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To keep the lights on for everybody, we're going to still have to rely on our coal-fired generators in the Latrobe Valley to supply a consistent, constant base load power for Victoria.

Cameron stated that the Labor government's goal to close the Loy Yang A power plant by 2035, relying on wind and solar, is not progressing adequately. He clarified that the Coalition's proposal does not involve building new coal plants but rather extending the operational life of existing ones. "To keep the lights on for everybody, we're going to still have to rely on our coal-fired generators in the Latrobe Valley to supply a consistent, constant base load power for Victoria," Cameron said.

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It's not asking for more coal plants.

The Coalition's position emphasizes maintaining current coal plants, including Loy Yang A and B, until they reach their end of life or until other energy sources can reliably meet demand. This, they argue, is crucial for powering manufacturing businesses and homes. EnergyAustralia confirmed its Yallourn plant is still scheduled to retire in June 2028, with plans for a new energy precinct including gas generation and battery storage. A Victorian government spokesperson maintained that renewable energy is the most cost-effective solution for replacing coal power.

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It's letting the current coal plants that we do have in Loy Yang A and B running to their end of life or until there is enough power in the system from other forms of energy to take over the system, and guarantee Victorians that we have enough power to run manufacturing businesses and the family home because we want to keep the lights on at the end of the day.