Australia's Chief Scientist Alan Finkel has vigorously defended his energy review, saying the crisis can be solved within three years and that going back to coal is not the answer.

However, the states and federal governments continue to fight over the right solution to a crisis that is fueling higher power prices and the risk of blackouts during the summer.

The closure of Hazelwood Power Station and Coal Mine in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria, left a massive gap in Victoria's energy mix. Credit:Arsineh Houspian

Dr Finkel was speaking at an energy summit attended by government and energy industry heads in Sydney on Monday.

Australia's chief scientist Alan Finkel, who has made a series of recommendations, said adherence to his proposed strategy and policy mechanisms could defuse energy pricing and supply issues.