The Federal Government's new chief science advisor, Alan Finkel, has advocated for an end to coal-fired power but acknowledged it will not happen "overnight".

His comments come as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull heads off a push from a group of well-known Australians to put a moratorium on new coal mines.

Dr Finkel has been appointed to take over as chief scientist, providing independent advice to the Government on science, technology and innovation.

What does the chief scientist do? Provides independent advice to the PM and other ministers on science, technology and innovation

Provides independent advice to the PM and other ministers on science, technology and innovation Acts as a "champion" of science, research and the role of evidence in the community and government

Acts as a "champion" of science, research and the role of evidence in the community and government Works as chief communicator of science to the public, with the aim of promoting understanding and enjoyment of science

Works as chief communicator of science to the public, with the aim of promoting understanding and enjoyment of science Reports directly to the Minister for Science and works closely with the PM Source: www.chiefscientist.gov.au

He replaces Professor Ian Chubb, who will have held the role for almost five years when his tenure concludes in December.

During the media event to announce his appointment, Dr Finkel was questioned about the future of coal-fired power.

"My vision is for a country, a society, a world where we don't use any coal, oil, or natural gas because we have zero-emissions electricity in huge abundance," Dr Finkel said.

"But you can't get there overnight."

An open letter, co-signed by 61 prominent Australians, has been published this morning calling on the French president to put coal exports on the agenda at the Paris climate talks in December.

The diverse group includes former Climate Change Authority head Bernie Fraser, leading academics, Wallabies player David Pocock and number of religious representatives.

They are also pushing for a global moratorium on new coal mines.

PM forecasts coal in global energy mix for a 'very long time'

Mr Turnbull has dismissed the call for a moratorium, and predicted coal will remain a key global energy source for many years.

He said that position was backed by the forecasts of international energy agencies.

"Coal is a very important part, a very large part, the largest single part in fact, of the global energy mix," Mr Turnbull said.

"And likely to remain that way for a very long time."

He said coal was continuing to play a big part in alleviating poverty in developing countries.

"You've got to remember that energy poverty is one of the big limits on global development in terms of achieving all of the development goals."

Mr Turnbull also praised the pace of technological development in renewable energy.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has joined the Prime Minister in rejecting calls for a ban.

Mr Shorten says coal is part of the energy mix but the market will drive a shift towards renewables.

"It's a political argument when we're talking about economics," he told reporters in Melbourne.

"I think over time investors are moving away from investment in coal but I don't think it's up to government to pick the winner and say that coal is bad, Labor doesn't think that."

Greens environment spokeswoman Larissa Waters said the Prime Minister had failed to properly respond to the moratorium call.

"The Prime Minister is using rhetoric to juggle the wishes of the climate dinosaurs in his party against the overwhelming community support for climate action," she said.

Senator Waters is calling for Mr Turnbull to reconsider the carbon emissions targets that the government will take to the Paris conference.

"He can't have it both ways - Australians want action on climate change and that means walking the walk, including by increasing our targets for Paris in line with science," she said.

Dr Finkel said it would take time to develop the technologies to replace coal.

"What we need to do is optimise the technology so we can cost-effectively introduce alternatives," he said.

"The best way to get rid of coal is to introduce alternatives that deliver value at a reasonable price rather than just arbitrarily turning it off."

Finkel says nuclear should be on the table

Dr Finkel said Australia should be considering the role nuclear energy could play in lowering Australia's emissions.

"It's something that absolutely should be considered for a low emissions or a zero emissions future, but it's not the only way forward," Dr Finkel said.

"With enough storage we could do it in this country with solar and wind."

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Duration: 6 minutes 36 seconds 6 m Outgoing Chief Scientist Ian Chubb talks to 7.30

He said Australia does not yet have the infrastructure or training to enable the industry to be viable.

"It's not unreasonable to look at all viable alternatives," he said.

Mr Turnbull said his Government would adopt "whatever energy mix is appropriate", but acknowledged there were significant costs and environmental challenges associated with nuclear technology.

The Australian Conservation Foundation welcomed Dr Finkel's comments on the future of coal but tempered those remarks by cautioning against a switch to nuclear power.

"Australia needs an energy mix that is 100 per cent safe. Neither coal nor nuclear are safe, so we should not be planning a future around them," said the foundation's chief executive Kelly O'Shanassy.

She also criticised the Prime Minister's argument that coal supplies are needed to help developing nations.

"Resorting to the drug dealer's defence – saying that if we don't sell coal to developing nations, someone else will – is not moral or responsible," she said.

"Australia has a moral responsibility to help our developing neighbours leap-frog over dirty coal, straight to clean renewable energy."