Australian Energy Council CEO Matthew Warren on SA Premier’s energy plan

The South Australian government has announced its new energy plan for the state.

The plan encompasses a new gas fired power station and a $550m battery, which Premier Jay Weatherill says will ensure energy supply.

Money News’ Ross Greenwood says it would have cost a fraction of this amount to retain coal fired power.

Announcing the plan, the South Australian Premier admitted the nation is heading into ‘an energy crisis’.

Matthew Warren, CEO of the Australian Energy Council, spoke to Money News’ Ross Greenwood.

‘There’s a frustrating gap between politics and what we need in energy markets in Australia right now’.

In the current political environment, Warren says that the risks associated with building coal fired plants are ‘beyond what banks are willing to lend against’.

‘The whole thing is risk management’.

‘It’s all about gas right now’.

Listen to the full interview here: