Federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg is resisting a push from some coalition members to nationalise AGL's ailing Liddell coal-fired power station.

Nationals MP George Christensen is reportedly leading the charge with support from former prime minister Tony Abbott and former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce. 

"I don't know whether we have the head of power to actually compulsorily acquire it, but I think it should be absolutely explored.  And if we need legislation then that should be considered," said Mr. Christiansen to Fairfax Media, explaining his plan to either resell Liddell to China or have the government run it.

But Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull seemed very cool on the idea and Mr. Frydenberg rejected it outright.

"The government's not about to nationalise the Liddell power station," said Frydenberg.  "That being said, we are concerned about the impact on the reliability of our system from its proposed closure in 2022."

The ABC in 2014 reported that the Liddell Power Station goes through approximately 5.5 million tons of coal per year.  At that rate, the power state emitted 14.7 million tons of greenhouse gases each year as a result of burning coal.