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Category: Electricity Energy and Utilities / Coal / Alternative Energy

Energy Minister urges Collie MP to spell out position on coal

Tuesday, 10 May 2016 18:31:02 | Hayley Roman

Dr Nahan says Collie's coal-fired stations would close under Labor. (ABC TV: ABC TV)

West Australian Energy Minister Mike Nahan has called on Labor MP Mick Murray to "come clean" on what he stands for amid debate over the future of coal-fired power in the state.

Coal-fired power generation in South Australia officially ended yesterday, with Alinta Energy closing its Port Augusta station. It leaves the state largely reliant on renewable energy.

SA's move comes as WA looks to cut 380 megawatts of power generation capacity in 2018 by shutting down a number of power stations.

Mr Murray, who is the member for Collie-Preston, urged the West Australian Government to hold off making any decisions.

"I think it's time the Government sat down and watched what happens in South Australia before they make any moves over here," Mr Murray said.

"The jury's out, and if something goes wrong, then we can not make the same mistakes over here."

But Dr Nahan said WA's coal stations would be closed under Labor.

"What happened in Port Augusta in South Australia is exactly what would happen in WA under Labor," Dr Nahan said.

"Collie would suffer and Muja A, B, C and D would close in less than 10 years because Labor is committed to 50 per cent of our electricity being generated from renewable sources by 2030."

WA coal 'unviable under Labor'

The Minister said both the state and Federal Labor Party had committed to the policy, which would make Collie's coalfields unviable.

"[Mr] Murray needs to come clean on what he stands for given he is a member of the anti-coal party," he said.

"A vote for Mick Murray is a vote for Labor, which has agreed to a plan that will shut down Collie's coal mines."

Dr Nahan said he would not predetermine the outcome of a Synergy report on which power stations should be retired.

"There is a future for coal-fired power stations but the energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation and we need to ensure there is an appropriate mix of generation sources," he said.

Mr Murray also supported a combination of energy sources.

"At the moment in Western Australia we have coal and gas, a very good balance and I believe we should maintain that for a bit longer yet," he said.

Mr Murray has been contacted for further comment.

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