Energy Minister Angus Taylor says the government will make sure there is “genuine replacement” for the Yallourn power station – set to close earlier than expected.
Energy Australia recently announced it would close the coal fired power Latrobe Valley plant four year earlier than expected in mid 2028.
The plant currently supplies up to 22 per cent of the state’s electricity and eight per cent of the national market.
“The plan always was to begin closure from 2028,” Mr Taylor told Sky News host Chris Kenny.
“That means 500 jobs are lost in 2028 … that in itself is clearly an issue”.
“But the good news is we have seven years … I can tell you we’re not going to waste time, we’re immediately doing the work now to make sure there’s replacement.”
Mr Taylor said the replacement will have to be “genuine”.
“We’ll be working with the state government and with the private sector to make sure that happens.”