Vic sets 2050 zero emissions target

Victoria wants net greenhouse emissions down to zero by 2050, but won't commit to closing dirty brown coal stations.

The new target will use voluntary pledge targets for businesses, communities and government departments to get emissions down.

Premier Daniel Andrews says Victoria has been moving away from its traditional power source for more than a decade.

"We've gone from 95 per cent brown coal, to 85 per cent," Mr Andrews told reporters.

But he wouldn't reveal if there were plans to close Hazelwood, a coalmine and power station in the Latrobe Valley.

"The issue is there are many decision makers on Hazelwood, it's a private company and the decisions about its future as a business are a matter for them," Mr Andrews said.

The Take2 pledge scheme will see businesses, communities, councils and government departments volunteer their commitment to cutting emissions.

That includes using more efficient lighting, installing solar panels, riding bikes to work, and installing more insulation.

The government's own pledge will be released at the end of the year.

Greens MP Ellen Sandell said the target lacked teeth because it was voluntary.

"Businesses are happy with that because it means they can keep polluting without penalties," Ms Sandell told reporters.

"(And) there's still no plans to replace our dirtiest power station in Hazelwood."

The French-based owner of Hazelwood, Engie, recently told a French senate committee it was considering the mine's future.

But the local branch said no decision had been made on whether to close it.

Climate Council chief executive Amanda McKenzie welcomed the target but said action was needed on coal stations.

"Research has shown that our climate change goals will be missed and clean energy investment will stagnate if our ageing and polluting coal-fired power stations are not closed before 2030," she said.

Victoria will make a series of five-year pledges building towards 2030 to get emissions down ahead of the 2050 target.