❓ Opposition questions the government's energy transition plan, specifically the timing of industry consultation and the plan's ability to meet future energy demands. The government defends its approach, citing ongoing assessments and consultations.
AnsweredQoN 341Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Energy transition plan
341. Hon Dr Steve Thomas to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation:
It should be a
Thursday! I refer to the Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation's media
statement of yesterday, 16 June, proudly telling us that the government will:
… assess the future energy needs
of industry to remain globally competitive …
…
Process will inform government decision
making over coming months in relation to transmission infrastructure and energy
policy settings
(1) Why did the government not complete this work
prior to the release of its transition plan on 14 June 2022?
(2) Is this lack of preparation the reason that
the government's transition plan is currently unable to deliver the energy that
homes and businesses will need in coming years at a price they can afford?
(3) If the research tells it there will be
insufficient energy in the future, will the government delay the closure of
coal generation and/or add additional gas generation to the system to provide
the power needed to keep the lights on?
(4) At what point will the
minister admit that his energy transition plan has run out of puff and will
have to change?
(5) What on earth has Energy Policy WA been doing
for the last three years, and given the lack of progress, will the government
replace it?
341. Hon Dr Steve Thomas to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation:
It should be a
Thursday! I refer to the Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation's media
statement of yesterday, 16 June, proudly telling us that the government will:
… assess the future energy needs
of industry to remain globally competitive …
…
Process will inform government decision
making over coming months in relation to transmission infrastructure and energy
policy settings
(1) Why did the government not complete this work
prior to the release of its transition plan on 14 June 2022?
(2) Is this lack of preparation the reason that
the government's transition plan is currently unable to deliver the energy that
homes and businesses will need in coming years at a price they can afford?
(3) If the research tells it there will be
insufficient energy in the future, will the government delay the closure of
coal generation and/or add additional gas generation to the system to provide
the power needed to keep the lights on?
(4) At what point will the
minister admit that his energy transition plan has run out of puff and will
have to change?
(5) What on earth has Energy Policy WA been doing
for the last three years, and given the lack of progress, will the government
replace it?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question. I provide this answer on
behalf of the Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation.
(1) On 14 June 2022, the state government
announced it was committed to closing the state-owned coal generation fleet by
2030 and replace it with wind and energy storage capacity and gas through
Synergy and the Water Corporation. Since then, the state government has worked closely
with industry to understand energy supply needs, which has informed the—
Hon Dr Steve Thomas interjected.
Hon Stephen Dawson: Shoosh. Goodness gracious!
The President: Order!
Hon Stephen Dawson: Since then, the state government
has worked closely with industry to understand energy supply needs, which has
informed the South West Interconnected System SWIS
Demand Assessment , published in May 2023, and the SWIS Transmission Planning Update , May 2024. The
announcement on 16 June 2025 is a new targeted
consultation specifically with industry peak bodies to assess how we position
the Western Australian economy to compete on a global scale as a clean
energy powerhouse.
(2)–(5) Not applicable.
honourable member for some notice of the question. I provide this answer on
behalf of the Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation.
(1) On 14 June 2022, the state government
announced it was committed to closing the state-owned coal generation fleet by
2030 and replace it with wind and energy storage capacity and gas through
Synergy and the Water Corporation. Since then, the state government has worked closely
with industry to understand energy supply needs, which has informed the—
Hon Dr Steve Thomas interjected.
Hon Stephen Dawson: Shoosh. Goodness gracious!
The President: Order!
Hon Stephen Dawson: Since then, the state government
has worked closely with industry to understand energy supply needs, which has
informed the South West Interconnected System SWIS
Demand Assessment , published in May 2023, and the SWIS Transmission Planning Update , May 2024. The
announcement on 16 June 2025 is a new targeted
consultation specifically with industry peak bodies to assess how we position
the Western Australian economy to compete on a global scale as a clean
energy powerhouse.
(2)–(5) Not applicable.
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