"he proposed plant would have largely run on synthetic gas...

"he proposed plant would have largely run on synthetic gas derived from brown coal using new technology. It was estimated its greenhouse gas emissions would have been 46 per cent lower than Hazelwood - often described as Victoria's ''dirtiest'' coal plant - making it roughly equivalent to a modern black coal plant."

NOT THE FULL DETAILS .

50% of the plant would have been on syn gas ,the other 50% on natural gas.

DPI is aware that baseload power run on natural gas has a limited supply...in Victoria 7 years if all power stations where to run on natural gas from Bass Strait.
Add the increased cost of power to industry and potential loss of jobs , HRL appears to lack support.

The interesting aspect is HRL was waiting for the descion on ,What will replace Hazelwood .? As it could not commence construction untill an equivalant amount of energy supply was closed down?
So question is what is happening with Hazelwood and why was the descion on Hazelwood extended beyond 30th june 2012.?

Contract for closure on Hazelwood ,maybe is waiting on COMPLETION OF DFT/ ARUP.?
carbon abatement ,sweetner in carbon credits plus potential for export may represent greater return for International Power?

Pilbara was a huge statement considering there has been no proven commercially viable technology to dry the coal.

Sudden change of minds / economic strategy for Victoria.

ALL IMO please do own research ,.