PARIS, May 25 (Reuters) - French gas and power group Engie ENGIE.PA said it is considering the closure or sale of its Hazelwood coal-fired plant in Australia as part of its strategy to exit the fossil fuel.
Chief Executive Isabelle Kocher told a French Senate committee on Wednesday that following the sale of two coal plants in Indonesia and India, coal would represent about 10 percent of its energy mix and that the utility planned a gradual exit from coal in the coming years.
"For the Hazelwood plant, we are studying all possible scenarios, including closure, or a sale if the state of Victoria tells us that it cannot meet power generating needs without this plant," Kocher said.
Environmental organisations say the plant is one of the most polluting power stations in the world.
The Hazelwood plant, close to Melbourne, is located next to an open-cut pit coal mine, which burned uncontrollably for weeks in early 2014.
Engie's Australian unit was charged in court in February with failing to provide a safe workplace and ensure public safety over the fire. acquired a majority stake in the plant when it bought International Power in 2012.