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The electricity sector in Australia is aging, inefficient and unprepared, which may lead to significant economic and environmental risks, according a report released on Tuesday by Climate Council, a non-profit climate policy advocating organization.
The report, titled Australia's Electricity Sector: Aging, Inefficient and Unprepared, finds that by the end of 2020, in less than six years, almost half Australia's coal-fired power stations will be over 40 years old, and up for retirement or replacement.
"It can take ten years to plan and build power infrastructure, so we need to make the right decisions now for the future," said Andreow Stock, author of the report who has spent 30 years working in the electricity sector.
"The report reveals our coal-fired power stations are some of the oldest, most inefficient and highest polluting in the world," said Professor Tim Flannery, Chief Councilor of Climate Council.
He said Australia, the sunny country, is losing the renewables race as other countries get more of their electricity from sources such as the sun and wind.
Earlier this month, the United States moved to limit emissions from coal-fired power plants. China also indicated it will move to further limit emissions.
Flannery said Australia cannot plan its electricity future around the technology and methods of the past. "We risk being energy outcasts and that is a big economic and environmental gamble that we can't afford to lose."
"The world is moving away from the high emissions of burning coal for electricity, towards other sources, including more renewable energy, which continues to drop in cost," said Stock.
