AEMO report predicting end of coal in Victoria by 2032 is a game changer

The roadmap for Australia’s energy transition from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) forecasting the closure of Victoria’s remaining coal power stations by 2032 is a game changer for Australia’s energy future, Environment Victoria said today.

The draft Integrated System Plan sets out in its “step change” scenario how Australia’s coal-fired power stations will close three times faster than coal companies have acknowledged and anticipates a nine-fold increase in renewable energy.

“The predictions in AEMO’s draft Integrated System Plan aren’t some wild outlier – they are in fact the most likely scenario chosen by consensus of governments, electricity generators and consumers,” said Greg Foyster, Campaigns Manager for Environment Victoria.

“Another scenario to make Australia a ‘hydrogen superpower’ forecasts that coal power stations will close even earlier.

“These new forecasts show the official closure dates for the two Loy Yang power stations of 2047 and 2048 are a complete fantasy. AGL and Alinta should announce realistic closure dates in line with these trajectories – which means by 2032 at the latest, and preferably much sooner to cut emissions.

“Pretending the energy transition isn’t happening and that there won’t be any additional coal closures this decade helps no one. Private energy companies being dishonest to workers and the community helps no one.

“AEMO has consulted electricity generators and concluded the end of coal in Victoria in just over 10 years – now AGL and Alinta need to make it official.

“Governments around Australia also need to acknowledge that coal closures are coming very soon and offer much greater support for communities to make the transition to new jobs and industries. We know from previous large economic transitions that just leaving this to the private market will leave communities in the lurch.

“The Latrobe valley community needs support in seizing the opportunities that come with a planned transition. Local, state and federal governments now need to be honest about this with communities and workers to help them make the rapid shift away from coal faster, fairer and more economically viable.

“Currently the Latrobe Valley Authority is only funded until mid-2022. The Victorian government should commit to funding the LVA until the last power station closes.