Griffin State Agreement extension a logical step for energy security and investment certainty

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA (CME) supports the decision to extend the operational life of Griffin Coal Mine, which will help safeguard energy reliability and affordability on Western Australia’s path to net zero.

While renewable penetration is growing, coal-fired generation remains an important source of energy in the South West Interconnected System (SWIS).

Coal is also a critical industrial input in the production of critical minerals including silicon and titanium, and as a heat source for alumina.

CME Chief Executive Officer Aaron Morey said the five-year extension to Griffin Coal’s State Agreement was a pragmatic step.

“Not only does coal remain an important source of power generation in the SWIS, key resources operations rely on coal as a reductant or heat source in their production processes,” Mr Morey said.

“Industry supports the pursuit of net zero by 2050 but the pathway is not linear. It will require adjustments along the way to ensure the viability of our existing operators and to safeguard high-paying jobs in our regions.”

CME acknowledges the establishment of a Collie Basin Consolidation Taskforce to explore options for the future operation of Collie’s coal assets.

“Exploring opportunities to improve efficiency across the system is sensible,” Mr Morey said.

“Decisions should support secure energy supply for the SWIS and provide certainty for industry and workers alike.

“CME continues to engage regularly with the WA Government on the State’s energy transformation, with a focus on maintaining reliability and affordability as carbon emissions are progressively stripped out of the system.”

Media contacts:

Josh Zimmerman j.zimmerman@cmewa.com / 0404 947 719

Natasha Mutch n.mutch@cmewa.com / 0435 383 382