Nationals turning Japanese on coal power

Maverick Nationals MP George Christensen has been sent on a mining industry-funded mission to Japan to ask its government to build new coal-fired power stations in Australia.

Federal resources Minister Matt Canavan tasked his fellow Queenslander with hand-delivering letters to major Japanese companies and government leaders.

"We're asking the world leaders in clean coal technology in Japan to consider investing here," Mr Christensen said in a statement.

It's the latest push from the junior coalition partner for coal after the consumer watchdog's report into the energy market.

The Nationals claim the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission report makes the case for the federal government to make an investment in "clean" coal.

Senator Canavan's letter said world demand for coal is growing, especially in Asia which is supplied by Australia.

"The demand is coming from new coal-fired power plants that require high-quality coal and that's what we specialise in," the letter says.

He said Japan is a pioneer of high efficiency, low emission coal technology.

"I would welcome you to examine any opportunities to potentially invest in new technology in Australia to address this shortfall issue," the minister's letter says.

The Coal21 Fund, set up in 2006 with support from coal producers to examine low-emission technologies, is picking up the tab for Mr Christensen's trip.

He will deliver letters to the heads of Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation and the director of the coal division of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Queensland Resources Council chief executive and former Howard government minister Ian Macfarlane welcomed Mr Christensen's trip.

"It's common sense to make full use of our vast energy resources, including high-quality coal to run high-efficiency low-emissions power stations," Mr Macfarlane said.

"And Queensland is the ideal place to build one."