"The AEMO electricity update released today is another warning as to the urgent need to get more electricity infrastructure in place over the next few years," Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association Ai Group said today.

"Old coal capacity is leaving. Gas peakers continue to play a critical role, but there are questions over whether they will run short of gas to operate before they are switched to clean fuels. Replacement renewable generation, transmission and storage assets are facing a mix of delays from pandemic-snarled supply chains and slow approvals processes.

"Recent financial commitments and market reforms from governments are positive, but they need to be complemented by on-the-ground progress on getting big stuff built. Every new development has its impacts and critics, but we will all suffer the consequences if we can't replace old generators in time," Mr Willox said.

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