Australia's chief scientist weighs in on clean coal

The chief scientist of Australia has come out in favor of taxpayer subsidies for capturing carbon and storage technology, but does not support doing the same when it comes to "ultra-super-critical"coal-fired power plants.

Alan Finkel, who is currently conducting an independent review into Australia's electricity market, was questioned as to whether he believes that high-efficiency, low emission, or HELE, coal plants, or "ultra-super-critical"plants, should be subsidized by the Australian government.

"I do believe that low emissions technologies... should be encouraged into the market, yes." Finkel said at a meeting to disscuss his electricity review on Thursday night.

But Finkel was quick to point out that Australia needs to be looking at other forward thinking options in relation to its power needs.

"What we need, if we are going to look at coal, is effectively, truly clean coal. So these modern technologies can be very effective not only in the interim, but in the long term." Finkel said.

Finkel said he has discussed the power issues Australia faces, at length, with industry investors, and they made it clear "they don't have any plans to invest in coal."

Finkel met with companies including Energex, Shell and KPMG in the Queensland city of Brisbane on Friday, to further consult with them about Australia's future in the electricity sector.

But Queensland Energy Minister Mark Bailey said Friday, any plan to subsidize the building of new "ultra-super-critical" power stations by the federal government, would just lead to extra costs for consumers.

"Energy experts like the Australian Industry Group and Bloomberg New Energy Finance have today revealed electricity prices could double if new coal-fired power stations are built." Bailey said.

"Compared to renewables, clean coal is not clean at all." Endit