Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the federal government does not want to build a gas-powered generator at Kurri Kurri but will do so in order to ensure affordable and reliable energy.
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"The Commonwealth Government would prefer not to step in. That is not our Plan A. But nor will we shy away from taking action to protect consumers and support jobs, including here in this region and so many like it," he told an audience at Westract, Tomago this morning.
The Newcastle Herald revealed on Tuesday that the government has given the industry until the end of April 2021 to show it can replace the 1000 megawatts that will be lost when Liddell power station closes in 2023.
The government confirmed on Monday night that Snowy Hydro is presently developing options to build a gas generator at Kurri Kurri should the market fail to deliver what is required. Read the full article here.
Climate groups come out swinging
The Climate Council has accused the government of "throwing taxpayer funds at a dangerous fossil fuel" rather than a plan to rebuild the economy and moving towards a renewables-led future.
While the Australian Conservation Foundation has claimed making Australia more reliant on gas will further damage the climate and won't help create jobs.
Have your say
What do you think about the need to build a gas generator? Send a letter to the editor here.