Why is Australia’s dirtiest Power station still operating? Hazelwood.
March 18, 2015 at 11:14 pm morelandclimategroup 1 comment
We need urgent action to address climate change and replace coal
Burning coal, prinicpally in coal-fired power stations, is the single largest contributor to global warming. We need a rapid end to fossil fuel use to preserve a safe climate and healthy future. Hazelwood power station in the Latrobe Valley is Australia’s dirtiest power generator, and the third dirtiest in the world.
Hazelwood can be shut without affecting power supplies
Hazelwood is not needed for power generation and closing it will not affect the security of our electricity supplies. Dirty coal power stations such as Hazelwood are a major disincentive to investment in new, large-scale renewable energy. The Australian energy market regulator says there is excess electricity generating capacity and Hazelwood can be closed without affecting energy security.
Coal is a major health hazard
The 2014 Morwell mine fire was a major health hazard. The Hazelwood owners are profiting from a facility that is causing damage to local residents and our future climate. The Latrobe Valley needs jobs. Many jobs will be created through the decommissioning of Hazelwood and in mine rehabilitation.
It produces over 18 million tonnes of carbon pollution and uses 27 billion litres of water every year, and is Australia’s single largest source of dioxin pollution.
A steady stream of jobs can be created in the LaTrobe Valley: decommissioning and mine rehabilitation will require a significant workforce for many years.
So why is Hazelwood still open?
In 1992 the SECV announced that Hazelwood will be retired in 2005, to follow older plants at Newport and Yallourn. But in 2005 the Brack’s Government extends the life of Hazelwood power station. (See Hazelwood power station – A brief history)
The Victorian Labor government promised in July 2010 to start closing Hazelwood. However, the Baillieu/ Napthine government promoted coal and attacked renewable energy. We now have a new Labor government. Labor must make good on its promise to close down Hazelwood.
Make your voice heard
Tell Enengy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio time’s up for Hazelwood.
• Ring on 9465 9033
• Email: lily.d’ambrosio@parliament.vic.gov.au
• tweet #replacehazelwood @LilyDAmbrosioMP
• Join Climate Action Moreland
We need strong community support and strong, loud voices. Join us!
Replace Hazelwood with clean renewable energy
Entry filed under: campaigns, Hazelwood, Repalce Hazelwood. Tags: coal, Hazelwood, Hazelwood power station, LaTrobe Valley, renewable energy.
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[…] need action at both state and Federal level to enhance emission standards that will result in the closure of some of our ageing coal fired clinkers like Hazelwood, which is the most polluting and inefficient power station in the industrial word, and produces […]