Major energy companies call on Coalition to set target of net zero emissions by 2050

Australian Energy Council's support for Paris agreement will increase pressure on federal government to back pledge

Australia's major electricity and gas companies, including the owners of all coal-fired power plants in the national grid, have called on the Morrison government to set a target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 in line with the Paris agreement.

In a statement on Thursday, the Australian Energy Council said it supported the 2015 Paris deal, and recognised it meant developed countries needed to reach net zero emissions by mid-century.