Solar plans for coal-fired power stations

Scientists and engineers have drawn up plans to convert Port Augusta's two coal-fired powered stations to solar thermal plants.

Non-government organisation Beyond Zero Emissions will meet South Australia's Energy Minister Michael O'Brien this week to discuss the two stations' potential for conversion to solar.

Mark Ogge from the organisation says most equipment and staff would be kept under the plan.

"In a sense a solar thermal power plant is exactly the same as a thermal coal plant, the only difference is to produce the heat you use mirrors to concentrate the sun's energy rather than burning coal," he said.

Mr Ogge says converting the power stations from coal to gas would be too costly.

"As Australia starts exporting a whole lot of LNG (liquefied natural gas), gas prices are going to be linked to global prices so if we link our electricity generation to gas prices then we'll start getting the same volatility and uncertainty at the power switch that we're already getting at the petrol pump," he said.

Alinta's Playford B station at Port Augusta is expected to close under any carbon tax scheme.