The town was suggested as the ideal spot for a new power plant, because of the high-quality coal available at its door step and the current national discussion about the nation’s energy situation.

EJA pointed out the proposal came in the same week the Hazelwood power station began to shut down and the Munmorah power station stacks were demolished.

EJA research James Whelan said eight Australian coal-fired power stations have closed in the last six years, with no new ones in the pipeline.

“It’s extremely unlikely we’ll see a new coal-fired power station in the Namoi or, indeed, anywhere in Australia,” Mr Whelan said.

“Australia’s largest power generators are committed to the transition to renewable energy and the big banks won’t finance coal power.”

Barwon MP Kevin Humphries was also against the idea. He said NSW was moving towards a better mix of energy sources and another coal-fire power station would be a step in the wrong direction. 

“We are transitioning into renewables and alternative energy sources like gas, that is largely where it is going – of the 12 solar farms we have on the books, four are in Barwon,” Mr Humphries said.

A Fairfax Media poll found the community was split on the proposal, with 49 per cent voting to see more renewable projects and 47 per cent saying it was an interesting idea. Only four per cent said it wasn’t needed.

Tamworth councillor Russell Webb, who put forward the idea, said it would be better for the local community to get a “kick back” from the nearby coal, rather than seeing it exported overseas – a sentiment many locals agreed with.