It’s a no from us – Hazelwood coal-fire plant will NOT be closing

Australian electricity giants ENGIE have released a statement today clarifying comments made yesterday suggesting the company would be closing its Hazelwood coal mine – despite an operating licence until 2034.

Isabelle Kocher, Chief Executive of Engie, told a French senate hearing that the company was considering selling off or closing its Hazelwood coal mine.

“For the Hazelwood plant, we are studying all possible scenarios, including closure, or a sale if the state of Victoria tells us that it cannot meet power generating needs without this plant,” Ms Kocher said.

But, in a statement released today, ENGIE have acted quickly to clarify these comments, insisting that despite difficult trading conditions, the coal mine is not closing.

“Some have interpreted her comments as ENGIE saying it has decided to close Hazelwood. That is not the case,” it read.

“As we have communicated on many occasions, the energy industry nationally, and particularly the Hazelwood business, is facing a range of significant challenges, not the least of which are the difficult trading conditions which continue to be experienced in the National Electricity Market.”

The Gippsland based power station and mine employs more than 500 staff and contributes up to 5.4 percent of Australia’s energy demand.

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