A state government plans to keep coal-fired power stations open for decades to come, potentially putting pressure on federal emissions targets.
Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki will on Friday unveil a five-year energy roadmap that will officially axe the former Labor government’s plan to phase out coal-fired power generators by 2035.
The long-awaited blueprint will call for coal-fired power plants in the state to keep burning until at least 2046, outraging conservationists.
“Coal will remain part of the state’s generation mix for decades,” Mr Janetzki said in a statement on Friday.
“The former Labor government’s decision to close coal units by 2035 regardless of their condition is officially abolished today.”
The technical lifespan of Queensland’s coal-fired generators is now set to run until 2046 but the roadmap will allow the Liberal-National government to extend operations as needed.
“This is a sensible and pragmatic plan built on economics and engineering, not ideology,” Mr Janetzki said of the roadmap covering the government’s goals for long-term coal, gas, wind, solar and renewables resources.
“It will meet Queensland’s energy needs … it also provides investment certainty to private sector gas and renewables investors.”
The move to keep coal-fired plants running looks set to put pressure on a federal commitment to cut emissions by 62 to 70 per cent by 2035 and achieve 82 per cent renewable electricity by 2030.
The state’s targets may also be impacted with the LNP government committed to reaching net zero by 2050 while reviewing a commitment to cut emissions by 75 per cent by 2035.
Conservationists slammed the government’s plan to keep coal-fired plants burning, saying it will expose Queenslanders to higher energy prices and more climate disasters.
“This energy roadmap is designed to pander to fossil fuel-loving party members and donors,” Queensland Conservation Council Director Dave Copeman said.
“Queensland LNP’s moves to axe renewable energy and storage projects, bank on expensive gas and keep Queenslanders chained to failing coal power stations are a recipe for higher power bills and less reliable energy.
“If they continue down this road to fossil fuel fantasy land, they will … expose Queenslanders to more climate-driven disasters.”
The government’s plan will undercut Australia’s credibility on climate leadership at a crucial time, according to the Clean Energy Investment Group.
Australia is bidding to host the world’s largest climate gathering, COP31, in 2026.
“Clear and timely decisions on coal closures give investors the confidence to drive the energy transition,” Clean Energy Investment Group’s Marilyne Crestias said.
“They are essential to unlock renewable and storage investment, cut emissions, and keep Queensland on track to meet its energy and climate targets.
“The release of Queensland’s five-year energy road map marks an important moment for the state’s energy transition but it comes with several announcements that risk damaging investor confidence at a critical time.”
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