❓ Mr. Johnston questions the Minister for Energy regarding the potential closure of coal-fired power stations and a state-based renewable energy target. The Minister denies announcing any closures or a firm target, stating they are considering a flexible approach.
AnsweredQoN 889Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGET — COAL-FIRED POWER
STATIONS — PROPOSED CLOSURE
889. Mr W.J. JOHNSTON to the Minister for
Energy:
On 27 October this year, the
minister addressed the National Environmental Law Association Western Australian
state conference. I ask the minister about his comments to that conference.
(1) Can the minister confirm that
under his plan, Muja AB and CD will be closed by 2025?
(2) At the
conference the minister also said the Liberal Party will be introducing a state-based
renewable energy target. What will this target be, and by when will it need to
be achieved?
STATIONS — PROPOSED CLOSURE
889. Mr W.J. JOHNSTON to the Minister for
Energy:
On 27 October this year, the
minister addressed the National Environmental Law Association Western Australian
state conference. I ask the minister about his comments to that conference.
(1) Can the minister confirm that
under his plan, Muja AB and CD will be closed by 2025?
(2) At the
conference the minister also said the Liberal Party will be introducing a state-based
renewable energy target. What will this target be, and by when will it need to
be achieved?
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(2) Just
to be precise and accurate—with that member we always have to put
caveats of that nature on it—I did not indicate in any way in that
conference that by 2025 we would be shutting down any coal-fired power stations
whatsoever—whatsoever. When I was asked the question, the member
opposite was there, sitting right next to me, actually—he must have a hearing
problem. When he indicated that they were committed to a 50 per cent minimum
renewable energy target, I was asked what we were considering. I said, ''Well,
we haven't announced one. We're considering a flexible target
and we'll announce it when we're ready.''
Mr D.J. Kelly : A flexible target?
Dr
M.D. NAHAN : A flexible target—that is right—and we will
announce it when we are good and ready. Contrary to the member for Cannington's
statement, we did not indicate any closure of any coal-fired power stations and
we did not say that we will have a firm target. We are considering our approach
to renewables, and we will announce it at a time and in a manner of our
choosing. I might add that if the opposition actually pursues a 50 per cent
renewable target, it will mean South Australia, here we come—instability,
high prices and the closure of the manufacturing sector in this state as a result
of that.
to be precise and accurate—with that member we always have to put
caveats of that nature on it—I did not indicate in any way in that
conference that by 2025 we would be shutting down any coal-fired power stations
whatsoever—whatsoever. When I was asked the question, the member
opposite was there, sitting right next to me, actually—he must have a hearing
problem. When he indicated that they were committed to a 50 per cent minimum
renewable energy target, I was asked what we were considering. I said, ''Well,
we haven't announced one. We're considering a flexible target
and we'll announce it when we're ready.''
Mr D.J. Kelly : A flexible target?
Dr
M.D. NAHAN : A flexible target—that is right—and we will
announce it when we are good and ready. Contrary to the member for Cannington's
statement, we did not indicate any closure of any coal-fired power stations and
we did not say that we will have a firm target. We are considering our approach
to renewables, and we will announce it at a time and in a manner of our
choosing. I might add that if the opposition actually pursues a 50 per cent
renewable target, it will mean South Australia, here we come—instability,
high prices and the closure of the manufacturing sector in this state as a result
of that.
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