Big business is beating at Victoria's door after revelations the State Government plans to unlock billions of tonnes of brown coal reserves.
But experts have labelled the plan "a pipe dream" and an environmental nightmare.
Clean coal technology company Exergen yesterday confirmed it was among the groups that would make a submission to mine brown coal in the Latrobe Valley.
Exergen CEO Trevor Bourne told the Herald Sun his company would invest $100 million in a demonstration project in the Latrobe Valley, which could grow to $1 billion after two years.
But Federal Greens MP Adam Bandt yesterday labelled Premier Ted Baillieu an "environmental vandal" and vowed the Greens would try to block the move.
Mining expert Dr Gavin Mudd, from Monash University, said no company had produced technology that made processing brown coal environmentally viable.
"There is no such thing as truly low coal emissions, it is an absolute pipe dream," Dr Mudd said.
Father of two Craig Flanigan, who works at Hazelwood, said the move would put money in the pockets of companies but did little for the local people.
Tell Premier Baillieu enough is enough. Say NO WAY to new coal and a coal export industry for Victoria
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