Decisions close on federal energy projects

The Morrison government is mover closer to finalising the first energy projects it will underwrite in a bid to improve reliability and push down prices.

It is understood some of the projects are "near shovel-ready", while others are still at a pre-feasibility study stage.

The government has on the table a number of support options in terms of the way the underwriting will be provided, having previously flagged the possibility of low-interest loans, floor prices and capacity payments.

In March, the government agreed to a shortlist of 12 projects - six renewable pumped hydro, five gas and one coal plant upgrade - representing a combined capacity of 3818 megawatts of new generation.

The coal project is Delta Electricity's Vales Point power station at Lake Macquarie in NSW, which is seeking support to upgrade turbine blades and other equipment to produce the same amount of power with lower emissions.