Coal-fired power stations face closure to meet emissions target, says government agency

Australian Energy Market Operator also finds this would push wholesale energy prices up, but reduce consumption

Australia's coal-fired power stations will face early closure to meet 2030 emissions reduction commitments, according to assumptions made by a government agency that runs the national electricity grid.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (Aemo) also found such closures would push wholesale energy prices up, but that would be offset by reduced energy consumption and greater energy efficiency, leaving consumers' energy bills relatively unaffected.