Emissions from Australian coal-fired power stations rise as wind and hydro dip

More electricity demand and lower than usual generation from two renewable sources raises questions about climate targets

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Greenhouse gas emissions from Australia's ageing coal-fired power plants rose slightly in the first half of the year, reversing years of declining pollution from the power section and raising questions about the country's ability to meet its climate targets.

An increase in electricity consumption across the country and lower than usual wind and hydro output led to an increase in coal generation. It pushed up emissions from the electricity grid between January and June.