The Victorian government has strongly denied claims made by The Australian newspaper regarding the potential extension of operations at the Yallourn Power Station beyond its scheduled closure in 2028.
In a statement released on March 18, 2025, the VIC Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio categorically rejected the article’s assertions, which suggested that EnergyAustralia, the Victorian Department of Energy Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) had engaged in discussions about prolonging the power station’s lifespan.
D’Ambrosio’s statement emphasised that DEECA, AEMO, and EnergyAustralia have all confirmed that these claims are false.
Furthermore, the agencies involved have stated that no such discussions or “rolling talks” have taken place, contrary to the newspaper’s report.
Notably, the statement pointed out that AEMO has not advised the Victorian government about any need to extend Yallourn’s operations beyond 2028, directly contradicting The Australian’s claims.
EnergyAustralia, the owner of Yallourn Power Station, had previously affirmed its commitment to closing the facility by 2028.
This decision, announced in 2021, is part of the company’s broader strategy to transition away from coal-fired power generation and invest in renewable energy sources.
The Minister’s statement also revealed that EnergyAustralia had confirmed to The Australian prior to publication that the plant would indeed close in 2028, raising questions about the newspaper’s reporting practices.
In a striking rebuke, the Victorian government noted that The Australian did not contact them for comment before publishing the article, further undermining the credibility of the report.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Australia’s energy transition and the importance of accurate reporting on such critical issues.
As the country moves towards renewable energy sources, the closure of coal-fired power stations like Yallourn remains a topic of significant public interest and debate.
