Doubts about the future of Victoria’s coal power plants have been further fuelled by the release of a report by the Australian Energy Market Operator in December, predicting the national electricity grid could operate entirely without brown coal by 2030.

“Over the past decade, coal-fired generators have withdrawn from the market before their announced dates, and competitive and operational pressures will intensify with the ever-increasing penetration of cheap renewable generation,” the report said. “All brown coal generation and over two-thirds of black coal generation could withdraw by 2032.”

At the time, AGL said there was “no doubt” that coal-fired generation will exit the system earlier than previously thought.

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A spokeswoman for Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the Victorian government was focused on ensuring an orderly energy transition to protect workers and regions.

“The Victorian government continues to implement nation-leading renewable energy reforms which are delivering thousands of jobs, energy security and lower power prices for Victorians,” the spokeswoman said.

Loy Yang power station senior plant operator Tony Wolfe said there had been a growing acceptance in the Latrobe Valley that the closure of Victoria’s remaining brown coal-fired power stations was inevitable.

Mr Wolfe, who is also a board director for the Gippsland Climate Change Network, said the challenge for the valley would be preparing for the transition, including upgrading transmission lines and investing in skills and training.

“Five years ago, people were in total denial,” Mr Wolfe said. “But in the last two or three years, people have become a lot more curious about emerging technologies because they can see the writing on the wall.”

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