Victorian Coalition says it would not accelerate end of coal power

The Victorian Coalition has announced it will not push for the earlier closure of coal power plants in Victoria if it wins the upcoming state election. Victoria is home to several coal-fired energy plants, with some scheduled for retirement in the coming years. The operator of Gippsland's Yallourn plant, EnergyAustralia, has stated that the plant will be shut down on its planned schedule at the end of June 2028.

National Party member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, announced the Coalition's position, citing warnings from the Victorian Auditor-General that the state could face electricity shortfalls when the Yallourn Power Station closes in 2028. However, Cameron stated that the Coalition's announcement does not involve building new coal plants, but rather keeping existing power stations operational for as long as possible.

The Coalition's stance aims to ensure a consistent and reliable power supply for Victorians, avoiding any potential blackouts. EnergyAustralia, the operator of Yallourn plant, maintains that the plant's closure on the planned date is still on track, and the company is investing in alternative energy sources, such as gas generation and battery storage, to support the transition.

The Victorian government emphasized that renewable energy remains the most cost-effective way to replace coal plants, but acknowledged that the current transition is proceeding smoothly.