Farmers Question Economic Viability of Old Coal
Concerns about the financial implications of extending the life of ageing coal-fired power stations in Australia have been raised by Farmers for Climate Action. Rural communities, they warn, may face increased costs and energy unreliability.
Outdated and unreliable, Australia’s coal fleet is being closed by the companies that own them due to unsupportive economics. Closures are already occurring across the nation.
“Trying to keep old coal-fired power stations running is like trying to put in a crop with an old Massey Ferguson that keeps breaking down. It’s not efficient and it’s not practical,” stated Verity Morgan-Schmidt, Acting CEO of Farmers for Climate Action.
Morgan-Schmidt emphasised the concern over who will bear the costs associated with coal power breakdowns, including maintenance and infrastructure failures during peak demand. These costs, she stated, would fall on households, businesses, and regional communities.
Impact on Rural Communities
Burdening rural Australians with a costly and unreliable energy plan is a significant risk, farmers stress. According to Morgan-Schmidt, the reality is that Australia’s coal plants are old and increasingly unreliable, rendering them economically unsustainable.
Shifting towards clean energy sources is highlighted by the organisation. They propose that a mix of clean energy, including batteries and pumped hydro, offers a more reliable and affordable solution for Australia’s energy future.
Morgan-Schmidt added, “The most reliable and affordable way forward is a mix of clean energy, including storage such as batteries and pumped hydro.” This transition is essential as the world moves towards new energy systems, driven by changing numbers and advancing technology.
Fast-tracking new oil and gas projects by the Coalition also faces criticism. Farmers for Climate Action suggest these projects may not align with the global shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
As Australians question the economic logic and practicality of relying on outdated energy infrastructure, the debate continues. Morgan-Schmidt argues that shifting to cleaner energy is not just an environmental imperative but also an economic necessity.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 12:07 pm
