Coalition signals it will provide taxpayer support for new and existing coal plants

Morrison government specifies generation projects will need to be coal, gas, batteries or pumped hydro to be eligible for underwriting

The Morrison government has sent a clear signal that it is prepared to provide taxpayer support for both new and existing coal plants, opening registrations of interest in its controversial new power generation underwriting program.

With the government accelerating to cover off major announcements before the Christmas break, the energy minister, Angus Taylor, will on Thursday use an event at a hydro power station in Tasmania to outline the terms of the new program and urge proponents to get their bids in over the summer break - before 23 January.