Queensland to Extend Coal Power Station Lifespan, Raising Questions Over Climate Goals

The Queensland state government has announced plans to upgrade units of the Callide B coal power station, originally slated for closure in 2028, and assess its potential lifespan, signaling a possible deviation from the state’s commitment to phasing out coal power, Bloomberg reports.

State Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki revealed the plan, stating that Queensland invested over A$400 million ($242 million) in maintaining government-owned generators in 2024 and 2025, including upgrades to Callide B’s units.

This move raises concerns about Queensland’s ability to meet its pledge, established under former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, to end coal-fired power generation by 2035. The decision also stands in contrast to the global trend of countries reducing their reliance on coal and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

The announcement comes ahead of the May 3 federal elections, where energy policy has emerged as a key battleground between the leading parties. Recent polls indicate the Labor government has slightly gained ground.

Queensland, unique in Australia for owning the majority of its coal generation through state-owned companies, has previously faced scrutiny for its energy policy. Earlier this year, the state withdrew funding from a major green hydrogen project, highlighting the challenges faced by the burgeoning industry.