Question Without Notice No. 137 asked in the Legislative Council on 13 March 2024 by Hon Dr Steve Thomas

Parliament: 41 Session: 1  

SYNERGY — COAL IMPORTS 

137. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for  Energy: 

I refer to Synergy's unprecedented action to bring 103 000 tonnes of coal from Newcastle to  Collie last summer. As at 12 March 2024 — 

(1) What is the current blending ratio of imported Newcastle coal to local Collie coal? 

(2) How much of the imported Newcastle coal has been blended to use for electrical  generation? 

(3) How much of the imported Newcastle coal has been burnt for generation? 

(4) What is the anticipated date on which all the imported Newcastle coal will have been  burnt for generation? 

(5) What was the total cost of bringing the coal to Collie? 

Hon DARREN WEST replied: 

I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. As the member pointed out,  this answer is current as of 12 March 2024. On behalf of the Minister for Energy I provide  the following answer. 

(1) The current ratio is fifteen to one. 

(2) Just over 84 000 tonnes of the coal have been blended. 

(3) Of the 84 000 tonnes, approximately 82 000 tonnes have been burnt for generation. 

(4) As the blending ratio changes to meet operational requirements, a date is not able to be  provided. 

(5) Synergy operates in a regulated competitive market with other market competitors. The  costs associated with the coal purchase are subject to a confidential contract which  prevents Synergy from disclosing this information.