Arabic version: أستراليا الغربية تدرس محطة غاز للخروج من الفحم

According to ABC News, the Western Australian government is investigating a new state-run gas-fired power plant in Perth’s south as it prepares to shut down all state-owned coal-fired stations by 2030.

The government has identified Naval Base as the location for a proposed 300-megawatt power station. The project is expected to cost more than half a billion dollars, although the state has not set a formal price because planning is at an early stage.

Premier Roger Cook said the government remained committed to becoming the first and only state to switch off all state-owned coal-fired power stations by 2030. He said the transition would involve renewable energy, backed by batteries and firmed by gas, and described the proposal as being in consultation and planning.

The government said it would not increase its reliance on gas. A spokesperson said energy replacing coal would come from renewables, including Mid-West wind farms. Cook said the proposed facility would replace ageing assets, comparing it with gas turbines at the Pinjar power station commissioned in 1989.

The project has bipartisan support, though WA Liberal energy spokesman Steve Thomas said more gas generation would be needed to meet the coal closure timetable. A decision is expected by the end of the year, while public consultation is due to open this week.