MELBOURNE, April 30 (Reuters) - Chinese-owned Alinta Energy said on Monday it has submitted a bid to AGL Energy AGL.AX for the ageing Liddell coal-fired power station which serves Australia's most populous state.
AGL has long flagged it plans to shut the plant in 2022 as part of a phased exit from coal-fired power, but has come under pressure from the government to sell it to ensure back-up generation for intermittent wind and solar power.
Alinta and others see an opportunity in keeping the plant in New South Wales open, as coal-fired power could fetch a premium at times when the market is short on renewable energy.
"We can confirm Alinta Energy has fulfilled our commitment and submitted a non-binding offer for the Liddell power station to AGL, which we believe represents a compelling commercial proposition for AGL shareholders," Alinta said in an email to Reuters.
Alinta declined to comment on how much it had offered.
AGL had no immediate comment on the bid.