The question of the future of coal-fired power under the National Energy Guarantee and ultimately the sustainability of the national grid is turning to a farce where the actors change their lines every day. 

 

The cast of characters include a red-headed female firebrand, an ex-PM, and an energy minister who doesn't want to offend anyone.   

 

The forthcoming by-elections on July 28 are making the pollies nervous and they are spinning lines left right and centre.  

 

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, whose party is disintegrating before her eyes, is now a keen advocate of allowing more coal fired energy. 

 

Hanson lodged a motion in the Senate calling on the government "to facilitate the building of new coal-fired power stations and the retrofitting of existing base-load power stations".

 

It was defeated 34-32 even though the Coalition backed it.

 

The coal industry should not think this is a sign that it has found a new ally in the flighty Hanson.  

 

Yes, it's a woman's prerogative to change her mind, however, Hanson is using her female privileges to  blow with the wind for the Coalition and Hogsback reckons this was part of a deal she hatched with Treasurer ScoMo to grease the wheels of the proposed tax passage.  

 

Energy minister Josh Frydenberg, who previously backed the Finkel report on the national energy system to the hilt to the delight of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, is now saying the National Energy Guarantee should ensure the operating life of the existing coal fleet and ensure stability of supply.  

 

His statements are being received warmly by ex-PM Tony Abbott who has formed a pro-coal factional posse to undermine Turnbull.

 

"I would welcome a new coal-fired power station for our country because it supplies reliable baseload power and it has served us well in the past and will continue to serve us well in the future," Frydenberg said.

 

 "We have 20 coal-fired power stations in Australia today with an average life of 27 years.

 

"While they may not live forever, they will certainly live longer than that 27 years and the NEG will provide that level of stability for the investors and the owners of those assets."

 

Hogsback reckons these are encouraging words for coal-fired power in Australia, however, given the recent form of politicians reckons this could all change in the next 24 hour news cycle.