Gippsland New Energy Future 2025

WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR GIPPSLAND’S PLACE IN THE ENERGY FUTURE? GIPP SLA ND’ S 20 25 TH EF UTUR E’S IN OUR HAN DS

NEWENERGY FUTURE

Aurora Greenwindproposal

IN amajor step forwardfor Iberdrola Australia’sAurora Green OffshoreWind Project, important environmental studies have begun in and around the feasibility licence study area.

Aurora Green is a3GW offshorewind proposal located at least 25 kilometres off the Gippsland coast between Seaspray/The Honeysuckles and Woodside Beach.

The Aurora Green project team has deployed asuite of monitoring equipment following the approval of the project’s feasibility stage Management Plan.The equipment includes afloating Light, Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) buoy,wave buoy and seabed frame, which will collect vital wind, wave, and oceanographic data over at least the next 12 months to inform the technical design and environmental planning of the project.

The Chairman and chief executive of Iberdrola Australia, Ross Rolfe AO, said the company was grateful for the OffshoreInfrastructureRegulator's support throughout the approval process.

"The OIR has been constructive and collaborative in helping us work through the details of our plan, ensuring that we can move forwardwith the confidence that our activities aresafe, responsible, and aligned with the expectations of the regulatory framework," Mr Rolfe said.

"Welookforwardtocontinuing to work closely with government, industry, Traditional Owners and our local communities in Gippsland, as we develop the Aurora Green project."

Wildlife surveys also got underway during winter to observe birds as well as marine mammals such as whales and dolphins.

Working with fishers

RECOGNISING the importance of co-existence with marine industries, Iberdrola Australia has actively engaged with commercial and recreational fishers during the planning of its metocean studies. The layout and location of monitoring equipment wereselected in consultation with fishers to minimise disruption to fishing activities.

Iberdrola Australia is continuing to work with the Lakes Entrance Fishermen's Co-Op, South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association and Seafood IndustryVictoria on engaging with fishers.

Listening to Gippsland

BEYOND the project's technical progress,

Iberdrola Australia has put the Gippsland community at the centreofits planning since receivingits feasibility licence in July 2024. Aurora Green's Gippsland-based engagement team has met with local councils, fishing groups, community groups, education and training providers, and residents across the region.

Through the series of Gippsland Offshore Wind Days, the team has joined other licence holders in hosting community events in coastal towns such as Seaspray, Golden Beach, LochSportand Woodside, as well as in Traralgon. These sessions have provided locals with opportunities to meet developers, ask questions and share feedback on the futureofoffshorewind in their backyard.

Iberdrola Australia has supported local events such as the Gippsland New Energy Conference, the TransformRenewable Energy Jobs Expo and Yarram Chalk Art

Festival. The company is also planning for the region's new energy future, committing $500,000 over 10 years to fund scholarships for Gippsland students at Federation University Australia, as well as partnering in hands-on STEM activities with Gippsland Tech School for the Global Design Challenge and with local schools for the Gippsland Science and Engineering Challenge held inSale.

Partnership with Gunaikurnai

IN March2025, Iberdrola Australia became the first offshorewind developer to sign an Engagement Agreement with the Gunaikurnai Land andWaters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC).The agreement ensures Gunaikurnai people are actively involved in discussions onthe feasibility of the Aurora Green proposal, located in Gunaikurnai SeaCountry.

It provides initial resourcing for GLaWAC to advocate for the Gunaikurnai community’s rights, values and aspirations throughout the feasibility phase.

Looking Ahead

IF fully realised,Aurora Green will feature up to 150 wind turbines and generate enough clean energy to power about 2.25 million homes.The project is expected to be developed in three phases, with the first 1GW tranche targeted for commercial operation by 2032.

For moreinformation, visit: Iberdrola Australia's Aurora Green project page at www.iberdrola.com.au/our-assets/ aurora-green

Marinus to link LatrobeValleyand Tasmania

MARINUS Link is anew undersea and underground electricity cable that will improve the connection between Tasmania and Victoria. The project, jointly owned by the Commonwealth, Tasmania, and Victoria, has made major progress this year,with a positive final investment decision and key environmental approvals achieved.

The project office in Traralgon continues to grow,with the Latrobe Valley as the hub of asoon-to-be massive civil and construction campaign, spanning 90 kilometres.

As traditional baseload energy comes offline, Victoria will need access to flexible energy sources, which can maintain a strong grid when the wind doesn’tblow,and the sun doesn’tshine –sometimes lasting for long periods. This is whereMarinus Link plays an essential role.

It means Tasmania and Victoria can share much moreelectricity,pairing Victoria’s wind and solar with Tasmania’son-demand hydropower system and geographically diverse wind. This is apowerful synergy that strengthens the grid for both states.

Physically,the project involves a345km span of cables, travelling beneath Bass Strait and crossing the shoreatWaratah Bay,about three kilometres west of Sandy Point. From there, they will travel underground northward, connecting to a new converter station on Tramway Road in the Latrobe Valley,next to the Hazelwood Terminal Station.

This advanced converter technology will stabilise the grid, supporting the integration of morerenewables.

The past year has been one of the most significant yet for the project. In July,the three owners reachedaFinal Investment Decision to proceed with Stage 1, securing

Marinus Link’sfutureand confirming its national significance and benefit across the National Electricity Market.

Over the same period, the project achieved key environmental approvals under Commonwealth and Victorian legislation. These decisions werethe culmination of ayears-longassessment process that

Image: Supplied

included extensive investigations, surveys, public exhibitions and adetailed review by an independent committee.

In the coming months, Marinus Link expects adecision on its final Victorian planning approvals under separate legislation. Marinus Link plans to continue engaging with key stakeholders, including

landholders, to implement the requirements and conditions of both sets of approvals. In the coming months, Marinus Link will sign on its final major contractor,who will lead the project’scivil and construction works. This works package will be the largest opportunity for local businesses to subcontract and supply

In February, nearly 400local business and industryrepresentatives attended briefings in Morwell andLeongatha to meet the shortlisted lead contractors. These sessions provided networking opportunities and gave businesses afirst-hand look at the skills and services that will be needed, from civil construction and transportto catering and accommodation.

Momentum is building, and construction is on the horizon. AsVictoria transitions to a renewables-led grid, Marinus Link will be critical for energy reliability,affordability,and meeting climate targets.

The team is proud to be partofthe region’s transformation and to work alongside the people, businesses and communities that will help deliver it. This includes landholders who will continue to be engaged over the coming months beforeany works begin on or near Gippsland properties.

Staffwill be out in force at the Gippsland New Energy Conference, ready to share the latest updates, answer questions and connect.

Moreinformation on Marinus Link can be found at: marinuslink.com.au, which includes detailed maps, information packs, factsheets and anewsletter signup form Forlandholders, Marinus Link’swebsite includes adedicatedweb page of information packs and fact sheets.

Gippsland "leading theway"

ORSTED, Denmark's largest energy company,isplanning an offshorewind project that is believes will re-shape Gippsland’sworkforce.

Ørsted’sHead of Generation Development, Alfonso Ma-Tay,who will speaking at the Gippsland New Energy Conference, said the Gippsland community was leading the way in making surethe population is well prepared for the exciting futurethat lays ahead.

“The transition to clean energy is different for everycommunityand will certainly have challenges to overcome, but we’ve seen so many regional areas around the world undergo atransformation with the introduction of offshorewind,” he said.

“As along-termbuild-own-operate developer,weknow that the only way we can succeed is by workingwith Gippsland education providers to make surelocal people areready to be partofour projects.”

Mr Ma-Tay saidmanypeoplemight say that this is alongway away,and that construction has to come first.

"But really,it’sthe operations and maintenance workforce opportunities that will give the most back to the region, as the lifespan of wind farms run between 30 and 40 years," he said.

“It is the operations and maintenance base that becomes the epicentrefor long-term economic growth in the local community as it drives the need for local jobs and procurement of goods and services locally

“This is long-termthinking that is required, down togetting our kids thinking about their career paths by building green energy

into education, makingsurethere’s the right training offered at the right times, and working with local people to find solutions that work for Gippsland.”

As an example in the Asia Pacific region, morethan80local people aredirectly employed in the day-to-day running of Ørsted’scurrent operations and maintenance base in aregional area of Taiwan

Many others areinvarious roles, supporting an operating 920MW offshorewind project in the Taiwan Strait. These roles range from administration, marine traffic control, grid control, monitoring, engineering, QHSE, IT, facility and logistics.

“With so many fantastic local people working away on making this areality,we’re really positive that Gippsland will maximise everyopportunity to make this happen,” Mr Ma-Tay said.

“Wecan’twait tosee offshorewind take off in Australia, and for Gippsland tobedriving the journey.”

One recent graduate, Mia Danko, has amessage for young people who are interested in renewable energy –there will be lots of opportunities to be apartof offshorewind.

As arecent graduate of electrotechnology at Federation University TAFE, Mia was nominated as an ambassador to tour Ørsted’soperating offshorewind farm portaspartofanAustralian delegation to Taiwan.

Mia said her experience cemented her passion for acareer in clean energy and gave her atrue appreciation for the huge

range of jobs needed tooperate an offshore wind farm.

“We’ve got onshorewind in Australia, but the scale of offshorewind is really what’s incredible –there's so many things that need to come together to make offshore wind happen,” she said.

“Being in Taiwan really gavemean appreciation of how many people are involved, and the different types of jobs they have. I’m focused from an electrician point of view,but there’ssomany morejobs involved.”

The tour gave Mia the chance to experience for herself the scale of the portoperations whereblades, foundations, nacelles and turbines werebeing assembled beforetheir installation at sea.

Since returning from Taiwan, Mia has started an apprenticeship that she hopes will eventually lead her into acareer in renewable energy

“I’ve always had an interest in maths, physics and electricity,and after trying afew different fields, I’ve recently honed my focus on becoming an electrician," she said. Mia is passionate about supporting more women into trades, and wants to make sure women and girls aregiven opportunites to be partofthe transition, so the industryhas adiverse workforce.

“If you’reexcited about renewableenergy like Iam, Iwould encourage anyone who is thinking about renewableenergytothink about how you can be partofit,” she said Mia will speak at the Gippsland New Energy Conference.

Majoroutages to improve reliability

AGL Loy Yang is preparing for two major planned outages later this year to support continued reliable operations of the power station and mine.

The planned outages on Unit 2and Dredger 16, with acombined investment of morethan $150 million, arescheduled maintenance periods which the company says areessential to ensuring the ongoing safety,reliability,and efficiency of the power station and mine’soperations.

They allow for critical inspections, repairs, and upgrades that cannot be completed while the plant is running.

“Delivered by acombination of AGL employees and external contractors, these projects arepartofour continued investment in major asset reliability and availability as the power station moves into its final decade of operation. Loy Yang A has acritical role to play in continuing to generate electricity for Victorians over the next decade,” said Christo van Niekerk, General Manager for Loy Yang APower Station.

In addition to its maintenance and upgrade program, AGL Loy Yang continues to invest in the futureworkforce through its apprenticeship program, which offers hands-on training across electrical, mechanical, and fabrication trades. This year’sintake includes two designated positions for First Nations applicants, reinforcing AGL’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the energy sector

Apprentices gain broad experience through six-month rotations and mentorship from

skilled tradespeople, preparing them for a futureinatransitioning industry. Applications closed on August 24. The next intake of apprentices will join 28 apprentices and trainees currently onsite.

“AGL Loy Yang continues to be afantastic place to work, and we have some great roles for young people trying to get into the industry. Our fourth year apprentice Amber Leyshan is one of three finalists in the Apprentice of the Year categoryatthe Victorian Training Awards this year,” Mr van Niekerk said.

AGL Loy Yang also continues to support adiverse range of community initiatives across the Latrobe Valley.These include new partnerships with The Little Village Project, Dolly Parton’sImagination Library, and TAFE Gippsland’sClean Energy Centre, alongside long-standing supportfor the Traralgon Tennis Association’sTraralgon Junior International Tournament, the Morwell International Rose Garden Festival, and Mindfull Aus.

According to Mr van Niekerk these collaborations reflect AGL’s ongoing commitment to supporting education, wellbeing, sport,and cultural vibrancy throughout the Latrobe Valley

“Loy Yang has been avalued member of the community for over 40 years. Through our local partnerships we can have a positive impactonthe localcommunity for years tocome,” he said.

In this context, AGL Loy Yang was grateful for the Latrobe Valley community's strong participation in the Community Engagement

Hub held at the Traralgon Courthouse from July 15 to 26, 2025.

Morethan300 conversations took place, providing valuable insights into local priorities and questions as AGL prepares for the transition of the Loy Yang site and the rehabilitation of the Loy Yang Mine following the scheduled closureofthe power station in 2035.

Feedback gathered will informplanning for asafe, stable, and sustainable futurefor the site, including the proposed transformation of the mine pit into alake. AGL remains committed to transparent engagement and responsible environmental management as partits futuretransition.

“The Community Engagement Hub was afantastic opportunity to hear from local people regarding our futureplans. Topics of conversation included understanding why a pit lake is the most viable option for ensuring asafe, stable and sustainable landform, and how the site could be transformed to create new jobs and supportthe regional economy and be used for recreation. We welcome the feedback that we receivefromour local community and will continue to engage widely as we move into the final decade of operations and continue our planning for the transition of the site and the rehabilitationof the mine,” Mr van Niekerk said.

To learnmoreabout AGL’s Loy Yang mine rehabilitationplans following the scheduled closureofthe Loy Yang Apower station in 2035, visit: https://www.agl.com.au/about-agl/ operations/agl-in-the-latrobe-valley/ loy-yang-mine-rehabilitation

Wish upon astar in thesouth

STAR of the South is Australia’smost advanced offshorewind project, with five years of groundwork already completed studying the environment, wind and seabed, and working with local communities and businesses to shape the project.

Built to its full capacity of 2.2 GW,Star of the South would generate enough electricity to power around 1.2 million homes and create 6000 Australian jobs over its lifetime

Proposed offthe coast of PortAlbertand Woodside Beach, the project includes an offshorewind farmwithupto150 turbines, and atransmission system to get electricity to the grid.

Morethan two years of wind monitoring, combined with 30 years of Bureau of Meteorology data, has confirmed that the project is well located to harness astrong and consistent wind resource, and supply reliable renewableenergy for Victorian homes.

Star of the South Chief Executive, Charles Rattray,saidoffshorewind can continue Gippsland’senergy tradition and create opportunities for current and future generations.

“Gippsland is set to be the home of offshore wind in Australia –ithas powerful winds, good seabed conditions, and astrong historyofenergygeneration with existing infrastructureand askilled workforce,” he said.

Star of the South is expected to create 200 direct Gippsland jobs over 30 years of operations, based out of aGippsland

commercial port. Atotal of $5.4 million has already been spent in the region during the project’sdevelopment so far,supporting 100 local Gippsland businesses.

“We'recommitted to buying locally so that local people benefit. Looking ahead to construction, we’reseeingsome really exciting opportunities for Latrobe Valley and Gippsland suppliers to be involved, including in steel fabrication, civil

construction and marine-based services,”

Mr Rattray said.

The project is preparing to submit approval applications to government later this year –one keystep needed for the project to proceed to construction.

“With over 13,000 turbines installed in the ocean worldwide, we know it works and can be done safely,” he said.

“As partofthe approvalsprocess, we’ll sharedetailed environmental assessments examining 25 topics including marine life, community,and fishing, which set out how we propose to meet stringent state and federal environmental regulations."

Yearsofresearch has been undertaken to understand the local environment, involving leading Australian andinternational scientists.

“We’ve collected vast amounts of scientific data, listened to local advice and usedthis to refine and improve the project's design,” Mr Rattray said.

Star of theSouth is targeting first power around 2030 to help meet Victoria’senergy needs as Latrobe Valley coal generators retire.

“With Yallourn’sretirement just around the corner and Loy Yang Anot far behind it, the sooner we can getoffshorewind into the system the morestableour electricity supply and prices will be,” Mr Rattray said.

Across Australia, 10 large coal-fired power stations have closed since 2012 with all closures expected before2040.

Mr Rattray said Star of the South represents alandmark opportunity to cut emissions, strengthen energy reliability,and create new jobs and economic growth in Gippsland.

“We’ve backed Gippsland from the start –this region is at the heartofAustralia’s offshorewindfuture. With the right next steps in place, we can startturning years of local effortintorealjobs, investment and energy security,” he said.

Theneedtodevelop vitalworkforce skills

By TONY CANTWELL

AS Australia undertakes amonumental transition towards asustainable energy system, securing Gippsland’srole is more crucial now than ever before.

Gippsland will play acentral role as the nation’sleading offshorewind zone and one of its most significant new energy hubs. But turning potential into realitywillrequire targeted investment, coordinated planning, and astrong commitment from all levels of government, industry, andcommunity Gippsland has long been Victoria’s powerhouse, with aproud historyof electricity generation in the Latrobe Valley and gas production in the Bass Strait. Today,the region offers unparalleled natural resources, established transmission corridors, existing industrial capacity and strong community networks that can underpin the sustainable energy transition.

In December 2022, the Bass Strait off Gippsland was declared Australia’sfirst, and largest, offshorewind zone, confirming the region’sstatus as the epicentreofthe nation’ssustainable energy future. But more work needs to be done.

With multiple offshorewind projects now granted feasibility licences, alongside investment in Gippsland offshoregas extraction, new solar projects, CCUS, and batterystorage developments, Gippsland is uniquely positioned to lead Australia’s energy transition.

To ensureGippsland realises itsenergy potential, anumber of priorities must be addressed:

w Regulatoryand policy certainty: Clear, streamlined policy and legislative settings at each level of government areneeded to attract investment and signal that Gippsland is open for business.

w Infrastructurethat enables investment: Transmission and portinfrastructure areessential to new energy investment, and supporting upgrades to the Portof Hastings and the BarryBeach Marine Terminal will create local jobsand bringa boost for the local communities.

w Workforce skills and training: Developing the next generation of energy workers is vital. Regional education providers, in partnership with industryand

government, can develop the workforce needed to supportGippsland’sfuture.

w Energy reliability and firming capacity: Investment in storage solutions such as batteries and firming capacity will maintain supply stability and give industries confidence toexpand in Gippsland.

w Invest in economic opportunities to supportthe community transition: The community needs to be supported through the transition with the social infrastructuresuchashealth and education services that add to our livability and enhance our reputation as a place to live, work and invest.

Collaboration and coordination is the key to our successful transition, with all levels of governments, energy generators, and investors adopting acoordinated approach to planning and approvals, avoiding piecemeal development and ensuring projects complement one another Streamlining regulatoryprocesses can help avoid unnecessarydelayswhile enhancing investment certainty

Gippsland can be known as Australia’s sustainable energy capital, whereindustry, government, and community work together to deliver reliable, affordable energy

By embracing innovation, building on Gippsland’sstrengths, and securing the right investment, the region can become the exemplar for other parts of Australia undergoing economic transition. Developing new energy projects in aregion like Gippsland offers not only cleaner power,but also new industries, career pathways, and long-termresilience for Gippsland.

While the energy source may be changing, Gippsland’srole as Victoria’spowerhouse remains. With its resources, workforce, and ambition, the region has everything needed to become Australia’ssustainable energy capital.

Strategic planning, investment in infrastructureand skills, and acommitment to strengthening regional outcomes will ensureGippsland leads the nation in delivering areliable,affordable, and sustainable energy future.

Tony Cantwell is chief executive of Committeefor Gippsland.

LoyYangB servingmultiple purposes

LOY Yang BPower Station plays avital role in Victoria’sevolving energy landscape, providing essential system services and firm energy supply to supportVictoria’stransition to renewableenergy

This reliable supply of synchronous generation from coal, gas or hydroelectric sources, will remain critical during the rapid growth of inverter-based renewableenergy generation, such as wind and solar,over the next decade to provide the stability the market needs.

At the same time, Loy Yang Brecognises the importance of acleaner energy future, and alongside its sister company Alinta Energy,isinvestigating how the existing power station site can continue to support Australia’semissions reduction targets and grid reliability beyond the era of coal-fired generation.

Work is currently underway to advance two major projects aimed at boosting electricity storage and grid stability,supporting

Victoria’stransition to renewableenergy

The projects will leverage Loy Yang B’s location, existing infrastructure, and skilled workforce and Alinta Energy’sexperience in developing large renewableprojects to deliver energy firming and system strength services.

The first project is asynchronous condenser,amachine that provides system strength to help stabilise the grid as traditional synchronous generation declines and inverter-based resources like wind and solar expand.

Supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), feasibility studies areexploring whether abrownfield synchronous condenser at Loy Yang Bcould acceleratedeliveryofsystem strength by re-purposing critical parts and equipment from existing synchronous power plants, enabling faster integration of renewables into the National Electricity Market.

The second project is a125MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), designed to storesurplusenergyand release it during peak demand. With up to four hours of storage capacity,the batterywill connect directly to the electricity network from anew on-site connection point.

Technical feasibility,planning, and environmental studies arecurrently underway for both projects to assess potential impacts, including vegetation, noise, bushfirerisk, and visual amenity Pending approvals, construction could begin as early as 2027, with operations starting by 2029.

Loy Yang B's Manager Strategy and Development, Sean Halloran-Lavelle, said while therewas considerable work ahead to bring the projects to the approval stage, progressing the projects was an important step forward.

“Loy Yang Bhas aproud historyas one of the most reliable power generators

in Australia. These projects reflect our commitment to supporting Victoria’s energy transition while maintaining system reliability,” he said.

“By building on existing infrastructureand exploring alternative technologies, we’re helping shape amoreresilient energy future.

“We’rekeen to hear what the community thinks about the project; not just theirviews, but also their ideas for how itcan deliver meaningful benefits locally

“Working together to understand what matters to the community will helpshape the project in away that reflects shared priorities, and we’recommitted to keeping people informed and involved as planning progresses.”

Find out moreand stay up to date with these projects at: www.loyyangb.com.au/projects

Newenergy collaborativeeffort

THE formation of JERA Nex bp, a50-50 jointventurebetween JERA Co (Parkwind’s parent company) and bp, is looking to accelerate offshorewind in Australia with its flagship project Blue Mackerel, located off the coast of Gippsland.

JERA Nex bp enters the market as one of the world’slargest offshorewind energy generation companies, with aportfolio of robust development projects and operating assets, providing atotal net potential generating capacity of 13GW.Backed by US$5.8bn in capital commitment from shareholders, it will move forwardasa combined team united by an ambition to unlock the potential of offshorewind energy generation technologies across the globe.

JERA Nex bp will be along-term, substantial investor in Australia’senergy infrastructureand economy,focused on developing competitive and environmentally responsible projects that will deliver value to the energy system, industryand society The new formed venturenotes akey priority is supporting the growth of alocal

offshorewind supply chain with ambitions to leverage the combined scale to build strong, long-termrelationships and positioning JERA Nex bpas atop-tier partner for local businesses. With Victoria’sremaining coal power generation set to retireinthe coming years, the need for new and clean energy sources has never been greater.As oneofthe first 12 recipients of an offshorefeasibility licence in the Gippsland region, as well as having the first Management Plan approved under the new regulations in Australia, Blue Mackerel is ideally positioned to play acentral role in Victoria’sand Australia’s energy transition towards alow emission future.

Subject to further approvals, the project would deliver its planned capacity of 1GW of renewableenergy by 2032/33. That’s enough to provide up to 750,000 Victorian homes with clean power

The name has changed from Parkwind to JERA Nex bp, but JERA Nex bp’s commitment remainsthe same -towork closely with local communities, Traditional Owners, and businesses as we work towards Australia’ssuccessful energy transition. Delivering tangible local benefits is central to our vision and approach and we aim to maximise the creation and support of high-quality,skilled jobs in Victoria, and fostering theskills needed for thefuture energy workforce.

According to Australian CountryManager, Anil Chanana: “Webelieveoffshore wind energy generation is acornerstone technology for decarbonising the energy system, enabling industry, and supporting energy independence. We areexcited by Australian governments’ leadership and ambition for the sector,and the enhanced capabilities of JERA Nex and bp’smerger We,the local Australian team, would be able to tap into to help Australia achieve its renewable energy targets."

For Blue Mackerel, nothing changes about who we are. We’restill the same ‘small, nimble but mighty’ Gippsland offshore wind project -now backed bythe added scale, strength, and know-how of one of the world’sbiggest offshorewind companies.

JERA Nex bp is excited about the future of offshorewind in Australia and to making asignificant contribution to its successful energy transition.

SEC ownedbyVictorians

By CHRIS MILLER

VICTORIA is going through aonce-in-alifetime energy transition.

As coal-fired power stations become more unreliable and reachtheir end of operational life, we must end our dependence on fossil fuels and transition to lower cost renewable sources.

The energy transition requires asystemwide approach. We need the right mix of assets, policies, products, services, business models and behaviours in place to build and operate our reliable, low emission and affordable electric future.

As Victoria's publicly owned renewable energy company,SEC applies asystems lens and ensures that Victorians benefit from the opportunities that our transition brings. It’sabig task, and we’refocusing on where we can have the biggest impact.

Investing in renewable energy generation and storage

WE’RE working with industrytotransform the energy sector,driving innovation and investment in renewablegeneration and storage.

We’ve already invested in two projects, and continue building our investment pipeline as the market prepares for the closureofLoy Yang Ain2035.

Our Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub project, west of Melbourne, will deliver one of the biggest batteries in the world –enough to power 200,000 homes –whenit comes online this year

The SEC Renewable Energy Park near Horsham will, when built in 2027, generate enough energy to power around 51,000 homes.

Our investments helped bring forward and increase the size of both projects, adding storage capacity,deliveringlarger communitybenefit sharing packages, and increased local employment.

We’realso exploring opportunities to commercialise long-duration battery storage –technology that can storeand then dispatch eight or morehours of energy –tohelpbackupand stabilise supply in a renewable electricity system.

Powering government and industry

IN July,SEC achieved akey milestone by

retailing 100 per cent renewableelectricity to the Victorian government.

We now power morethan 4000 Victorian sites, including Latrobe Regional Hospital, Central Gippsland Health Service, Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court, and TAFE Gippsland and many schools across the region.

Soon, we’ll begin retailing to commercial and industrial customers, offering solutions to help them improve their energy efficiency, save money and transition faster

And we’ll reinvest returns from these activities into new wind, solar and storage projects for Victorians.

Helping households

VICTORIAN households use more gas at home than any other Australian state

–around80per cent areconnected to gas.

Households can save about $1700 ayear on energy bills by going all-electric, even moreifthey have solar

But they face barriers, especially when living costs arehigh.

We provide households with trusted, simple information, products and services to help.

We’ve developed the SEC electric home planner that creates atailored plan to reduce home energy bills by switching to efficient electric appliances.

We’realso piloting ways to connect people with SEC-endorsed installers and inviting installer and trade businesses with expertise in home electrification to become SEC-endorsed providers.

Local companies arealready on board. Victoria’srenewable energy companySEC is owned by Victorians.

This gives Victorians adirectstake in our energy investments and puts public purpose at the heartofeverything we do.

We create local jobs and supplier opportunities and boost local economies.

We help Victorians to electrify and save money on their energy bills.

And we supportbusinesses in meeting their decarbonisation goals while generating the returns we need to invest in morerenewable energy for all Victorians.

Chris Miller is chief executive of the SEC

More than just abattery

ENERGY AUSTRALIA continues to play an important role in shaping Latrobe Valley’s energy future, with major infrastructure projects, strategic partnerships, and strong community engagement driving its local activities.

Akey highlight is the Wooreen Energy Storage System (WESS), acirca $700 million batteryproject under construction at Hazelwood North. Once operational, expected in 2027, the 350MW batterywill be capable of powering up to 230,000 households for four hours during peak demand.

Located near the Jeeralang gas-fired power station, Wooreen is designed to enhance grid reliability and supportVictoria’s transition to renewableenergy

EnergyAustralia has partnered with Banpu Energy Australia, asubsidiaryofThailand’s Banpu Public Company Limited, which now holds a50per cent equity stake in the Wooreen project. EnergyAustralia will oversee construction and operate the batteryunder along-termagreement.

John Delicato, Wooreen Project Director and Morwell local with decades of experience in energy and construction projects, said: “Wooreen is morethan just abattery—it’sa cornerstone of Victoria’sclean energy future. We’reproud to be building it right herein the Valley,with local workers and suppliers playing akey role in its delivery.”

The Jeeralang power station located next to the Wooreen project remains akey energy asset in the EnergyAustralia fleet. In recent years, Jeeralang has been the focus of major upgrades, including the refurbishment of key components sourced

Wooreen Project Director,JohnDelicato and EnergyAustralia’sManagingDirector, Mark Collette discuss Wooreen’sprogress during arecent visit to the site.

from adecommissioned German power station.

This innovative repurposing effortled by the Jeeralang and EnergyAustralia’sgas assets teams has extended the station’s operational life to 2039. Into the future, Jeeralang is positioned to take on afirming role in the grid, complementing the transition to renewableelectricity generation.

Meanwhile at Yallourn, EnergyAustralia is progressing its draft Declared Mine Rehabilitation Plan (DMRP) for the Yallourn mine, which outlines the long-term rehabilitation of the site following the

Photo: Supplied

planned closureofthe Yallournpower station in 2028. The draft plan was shared with the community and open for public submissions betweenJuneand August. The community feedback received will help shape the final version, expected later this year

The Yallourntransition team is helping workers develop individual career plans for life after Yallourn.

Yallournpower station continues to perform strongly in the lead up to its planned closure in 2028.

James Stevenson, head of Yallourn, praised the Yallournteam’sefforts during the colder months: “Yallournoperated reliably during winter,providing essential electricity thanks to the team's dedication and professionalism.”

EnergyAustralia will be asilver sponsor at the upcoming Gippsland New Energy Conference (GNEC).

The company will host an information stand focused on the Wooreen project, offering insights into its role in Victoria’senergy transition and opportunities for community engagement.

For the Gippsland community,the EnergyAustralia Hub at 228 Commercial Road, Morwell, is open everyTuesday and Wednesdayfrom10amto 3pm.

On Wednesday’s, customer supportstaff areavailable tomeet with customers to ensure they’reonthe mostsuitable EnergyAustralia plan for their household energy needs. This initiative reflects EnergyAustralia’scommitment to affordability,community and customer service.

EnergyAustralia’sactivitiesinthe Latrobe Valley represent acomprehensive approach to energy transformation -balancing infrastructureinvestment, environmental responsibility,and supporting the community

As the region transitions towardacleaner energy future, EnergyAustralia remains focused on ensuring local voices, jobs, and opportunities arecentral to the journey

Onecompany, many functions

EARTH WORKER Energy comes to the Gippsland New Energy Conference with two strings to its bow: the new energy field, wherethe company produces heat pump and solar hot water products, and the future'look' of the workforce during the energy transition. Earthworker Energy's new business operations manager,Adam Monument, began working in the electricity industryand has seen it all.

Mr Monument will be aspeaker during the session on the futureofthe workforce and the skills it needs during the transition away from the coal industry-but he is passionate about the products his company produces, especially the fact that they aremadein Morwell.

"Wedon't make auniqueproduct in the hot water game, but it has some unique things about it. Most of our products hereare based on heat pumps, the modernwater heating technology.Theyare averyefficient, good way to heat water," he said. While up-front cost can be high, the payback period does not take long.

"Specifically,wemanufacture, supply and install unique premium quality electric, heat pump and solar hot water products," he said.

The company's premium stainless 'Made in Morwell' hot water tanks featurea unique outer casing made from recycled plastic -adding asecond layer of insulation for efficiency and durability

"Wecombine our unique tanks with arange of heat pump and solar hot water systems

to offer complete hot water solutions for customers," he said.

"Our Earthworker-Reclaim heat pump hot water systems featureour 'Made in Morwell' tanks with high-performing Reclaim Energy and Panasonic CO2 heat pumps, providing the ultimate in energy efficient water heating.

"We'redeveloping new product offers, including new heat pump systems, and smartsolar-PV-connected electric hot water units."

The company has worked closely with Latrobe City Council.

"We've recently helped Latrobe City slash its gas bills by upgrading old inefficient gas hot water systems with our energy-saving heat pump hot water units," he said.

Earthworker Energy,which is partofthe larger Earthworker network of cooperatives, was set up in Morwell in 2017, coinciding with closureofthe Hazelwood power station, "That's why they came to the Valley from Melbourne; they werehoping it will grow and provide employment," Mr Monument said.

Mr Monument describes himself as an "SEC baby"; he's seen the lot, not just the changes at the SEC but the decline of big manufacturers in the Valley.This makes him an ideal person to be on the panel for what Gippsland's futureworkforce might look like.

"I've seen the energy transition; Ispent half my working life at the Hazelwood power station, Iunderstand the workforce transition. Iwas partofit-twice, through privatisation of the SEC and the closureof Hazelwood," he said.

At Hazelwood, Mr Monument had avariety of roles, starting in corporate services technical procurement beforebecoming apower station operator.Beforethat, he even did astint dredge driving. He remains fascinated by the engineering excellence of the big dredgers. "The manoeuvrability and accuracy of those machines you can get them within 50 cent piece size of wherethey aremeant to be -itstill bows my mind."

With Hazelwood gone, he spent some time out of work but did adiploma of engineering, which tied in with his previous

trade qualification as aboilermaker

Yallournpower station then beckoned, working in project management, planning, scheduling and outage co-ordination.

However,fearing another closureand redundancy,and missing shift work, he found ajob at the Maryvale Paper Mill -12 months to the day when it tooshut down.

"Luckily,AGL had afairlysubstantial project. When Igot notice fromAPM, IwenttoAGL. Idid lots oftravelling," hesaid

Desirefor anew challenge led him to Earthworker Energy afew months ago, now just beforehis 50th birthday

The project's publicity sheet spells out its role and its role as aco-operative.

"Earthworker Energy is acommunity-led response to the Valley's needs -westrive to be apositive example in Gippsland's energy transition. We'reworking to create dignified livelihoods in Morwell, by manufacturing and installing energy-saving and renewableenergytechnology

"Our 'Made in Morwell' hot water products help households reduce their energy bills and pollution, supportlocal installers and Australian manufacturing.

"We'restriving to build adifferent kind of economic model, one that puts economic power in the hands of workers and communities. We areherethanks to many years of supportand hard work from community members, unions, and community organisations across Gippsland and Victoria."

THE consultation process for the statutory review of the Energy IndustryJobsPlan (EIJP) has now commenced, with the release of the consultation paper,and visits to regions.

The review is being led by Emeritus Professor Roy Green AM who will consider whether the EIJP is operating as intended by Parliament. Professor Green is being supported by the Net ZeroEconomy Authority

The EIJP was established by Part5ofthe Net ZeroEconomy Authority Act 2024 (the Act) to supportemployees impacted by the closureofcoal-fired and gas-fired power stations to preparefor,and transition to, new employment opportunities.

Professor Green and the authority welcome views from workers, unions, businesses and communities impacted by power station closures, as well as from those with apolicy interest in the operation of the EIJP

"The energy transition is already underway and we appreciate individuals and businesses sharing their experiences with us. These discussions will build an important evidence base to assess how the EIJP framework is operating now and will operate into the future," Professor Green said.

"Wewelcome all contributions to maximising the effectiveness of supports for workers and businesses in regions that are transitioning from fossil fuels."

The authority has applied Part5ofthe Act in three instances:

on energy future

w On December 19, 2024, the authority chief executive exercised statutory discretion to not undertake acommunity of interest process for the closureofMuja CUnit 6inCollie, WesternAustralia.

w On January13, 2025, the authority chief executive announced acommunity of interest process for Torrens Island BPower Station in Adelaide, which is scheduled to close in June 2026.

w On May 27, 2025, the authority chief executive announced acommunityof interest process for Eraring Power Station in Lake Macquarie, New South Wales,

which is scheduled to close in August 2027.

In addition to the online consultation process, Professor Green will be meeting with businesses, unions and other stakeholders in the Hunter,Latrobe, Adelaide, Central Queensland and Collie. Regional visits areexpected to begin at the beginning of August.

"My task is to assess whether the Energy IndustryJobs Plan is delivering on Parliament’sintent of supporting the transition of the regions and workers that have powered Australia for generations," Professor Green said.

"I am looking forwardtogaining insights from awiderange stakeholders and welcome submissions from those in the regions and those with an interest in the energy transition."

The consultation is now taking submissions online until 11pm AEST, September 5, 2025.

The Act specifies that areviewofPart5 of the Act must be completed within 12 months of the Act commencing, which means the review will be finalised by December 10, 2025.

Jobs created through carbon

By PHILIP HOPKINS

A FULLY networked carbon capture and storage industry along Australia's east coast, with Gippsland a key contributor, could boost economic activity by about $66 billion and support an additional 15,250 jobs over the coming decades, according to a new study praised by the federal government

The report, 'The Economic Potential for CCS in Australia's Eastern States' written by Ernst & Young for Low Emissions Technology Australia (LETA), was launched by the federal Minister for Resources Madeleine King who described the study as essential

steel, cement and chemical production CCS will also play a role in reducing the emission intensity of gas at the point source of production "

CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) released by industrial processes, compressing it, transporting it to an injection site via pipeline, and sequestering it deep underground for safe long-term storage in suitable geological formations

The report highlights the environmental and economic potential of carbon capture and storage for regions such as the Latrobe Valley and greater Gippsland The Latrobe Valley, like Gladstone and the Hunter Valley, is a large industrial hub

"These industrial hubs host significant emissions source points including Safeguard Mechanism-covered facilities which will be required to reduce their emissions over time," the LETA report says

The Latrobe Valley-based CarbonNet is planning to build a pipeline from Loy Yang that takes captured CO2 from the Valley to the Gippsland Basin just off Golden Beach, for underground storage

The LETA report says the Melbournebased CO2CRC (Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Technologies) is Australia s leading research organisation dedicated to carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS)

Under the Safeguard Mechanism, the nation's top 200 industrial companies must cut their greenhouse gas emissions annually

However, the report warns that without co-ordinated efforts, there is a big risk Australia may not develop the carbon sequestration capacity to reach net zero emissions

"This could pose additional challenges to heavy industry in meeting their Safeguard Mechanism obligations, increasing the costs of the net zero transition, and requiring deeper emissions cuts in other sectors

Ms King said the findings from the report underscore that CCS is essential not just for achieving Australia’s emissions targets, "but for safeguarding the future of our industrial base, our energy security, and our economy"

centre is helping to make large-scale CCUS deployment more commercially viable

"The report says the success of the Otway Centre provides a strong foundation for developing CCUS projects in eastern Australia where industrial emissions from sectors such as energy manufacturing and cement production remain high

"By leveraging insights from Otway, policymakers and industry stakeholders can make informed decisions about the feasibility and risks associated with large-scale CCUS deployment in key economic regions," the report says

It says demand for carbon sequestration is likely to be huge in small heavily industrialised countries with little geological storage such as Japan and Korea which rely on fossil fuels for energy and have net zero targets by 2050

industry to make investment decisions on their projects

"It’s a twofold approach Firstly, robust regulations will allow for the effective, safe and environmentally responsible storage of CO2

"And secondly, a stable and predictable business environment will encourage long-term investment " she said

"My department is currently undertaking a review of our regulatory settings to provide better regulatory and administrative certainty for offshore CCS projects The government is also cooperating with our regional partners on carbon management solutions "

"As this report makes clear CCS can play a critical role in decarbonising hardto-abate industries across Australia like

Active in Gippsland a key CO2CRC initiative is the Otway International Test Centre in western Victoria, "one of the world's foremost field research sites for CO2 storage"

The Otway Centre, which began in 2006, to date has safely injected and monitored more than 100,000 tonnes of CO2 within geological formations at the site, the report says, "demonstrating the feasibility and long-term security of underground carbon storage"

"The centre has played a crucial role in developing internationally recognised best practices for monitoring and verification, which are essential for ensuring public and regulatory confidence in CCUS the report says

"Currently, the Otways Centre is conducting Phase 3 of its research program which focuses on developing cost-effective and highly accurate monitoring technologies This phase aims to enhance real-time tracking of CO2 movement in the subsurface, reducing the long-term costs associated with carbon storage projects By improving efficiency and safety the

"Australia has a potential to provide carbon capture and storage to these countries however, several regulatory and commercial preconditions are critical to capture this growth opportunity, including providing assurance of any carbon stored in Australia," it says Ms King said the report was an important contribution to increase the understanding of the potential of CCS as the industry takes steps to scale up

"CCS will not be a silver bullet But it has the very great potential to work alongside other efforts to reduce emissions," she said

"The task of reaching net zero is a significant challenge, but it simply must be met, all tools must be applied What is also clear is that Australia has the right elements to be an important player in global CCS value chains We have the right geology, the right infrastructure, and the right skills to be at the forefront of commercial development of CCS "

Ms King said the government's approach was to ensure the right policy and regulatory settings are in place for

The government last year granted 10 new greenhouse gas storage assessment permits as part of the 2023 Offshore Greenhouse Gas Storage Acreage Release

"Australia also has two of the world’s largest operational, commercial scale CCS projects," she said - the SANTOS Moomba CCS project, onshore in South Australia, and the Gorgon CCS project at Barrow Island offshore of Western Australia, which safely stored 11 million tonnes of CO2 that would otherwise have been emitted into our atmosphere

"It is fashionable in some circles to denigrate existing CCS projects But to do this without observing what has been achieved is to write off how CCUS can contribute to decarbonisation, and to ignore the warning of the IEA (International Energy Agency) that reaching net zero will be virtually impossible without CCUS," she said

"But we know that new sites need to be identified to drive private investment

To that end, we’re investing $3 4 billion over 35 years in the Resourcing Australia’s Prosperity program This will allow Geoscience Australia to comprehensively map our natural resources and renewable energy potential, including the geological suitability for CCS By 2028 RAP will deliver a national carbon dioxide storage resource atlas, with work already underway to guide its development "

Eyeinto region’s energy future

FOUR young women from Traralgon SecondaryCollege and St Paul's Anglican Grammar School visited ENGIE and Eku Energy’sHazelwood Battery.

Hazelwood is the first utility-scale battery to be built at the site of adecommissioned coal fired power station in Australia.

The tour was partofaweeklong Science, Technology,Engineering andMathematics (STEM) program delivered for the second time in the Valley by the local armofglobal engineering, architectureand construction services company GHD.

The STEM program was aimed at engaging with female Year 10 high school students to encourage them to pursue STEM-based subjects into Year 11 and 12 and onwards. ENGIE’sTechnical Project Manager,Noel Ashford(alocal in the Latrobe Valley), who ran the tour,saidstudents wereinquisitive about the region's energy future:

“GHD arranged asitevisit of ENGIE and Eku Energy’s150MW/150MWh Hazelwood Batterytogive the students an appreciation of areal life, operational battery, as well as to show them akey enabler of the transition to renewableenergy in the Latrobe Valley," he said.

“As the first utility-scale batterytobebuilt at thesite of adecommissioned coal fired power station in Australia, it is agreat demonstration of the futureofenergy

"The batteryhas the capacity to store the equivalent of an hour of energy generated from the rooftop solar systems of approximately 30,000 homes.

“It would be great to see morewomen workinginthe renewableenergy industry in the future, especially in the Valley,and the visit was well timed as we’recurrently developing additional batteryprojects to make the most of the excess grid connection capacity we have on site.”

GHD’sTechnical Director for Energy Storage &Renewables, Peter Killeen, also Latrobe Valley,hoped the visit would inspirethe next generation of power workers.

"Promoting STEM-based career paths in the younger generation is vital for the continued success and deployment of technical industries," he said.

"Australia and the whole world have abig task at hand in realising the energy transition to combat climate change and we need the continuation of awork force coming through to ensurewedeliver on the goal of realising the energy transition for the benefit of humanity as awhole

"Women continue to be underrepresented in STEM-based careers, so influencing the young women to pursue arewarding career in STEM is akey focus area for GHD who value diversity in our company

"Visiting the Hazelwood Battery(HBESS) is important to give the girls an appreciation of areal life operational project and how the system supports keeping the lights on.

"With our STEM-based project being based

on developing aBatteryEnergy Storage System (BESS) project from the ground up, it allows them to connect the dots in the work we have given them.

"The girlscameinto our program knowing verylittle of what engineers actually do.

Feedback from the girls following the site visit to HBESS was that it really opened their eyes to how much engineers do and the value they aretosociety as awhole.

"Seeing what goes into designing, building and operating aBESS has allowed them to develop arealisation of how much breadth of opportunity thereisinpursuing acareer in engineering.

"The Latrobe Valley has the legacy of being the centreofpower generation for Victoria. With that comes ample available transmission connection capacity when the coal fired power stations retire.

"This, coupled with Gippsland and the Bass

Strait having excellent wind resources for wind power generation, make the Valley the perfect place to install renewableenergy systems in both wind and BESS to support Victoria’selectricity demands and keep the National Electricity Market (NEM) stable and secure. This is the end of an era for fossil fuel based power generation, but investing in renewable energy and training the next generation will allow the Valley to retain its title of being the powerhouse of Victoria."

ENGIE’sHazelwood BatteryEnergyStorage System has been in operation since 2023. Ajointventurebetween ENGIE and Eku Energy,itwas the largest privately funded, utility-scale batteryinAustraliaatthe time it wasbuilt.

ENGIE’s150MW/150MWh Hazelwood Batteryhas the capacity to storethe equivalent of an hourofenergy generated from the rooftop solar systems of 30,000 homes.

The Hazelwood Batterycontinues to supportVictoria’sambitious target of achieving 95 per cent of its energy from renewables by 2035, as it enables more renewable energy capacity to connect to the grid.

The Hazelwood BESS utilises the existing 1600 MW of latent transmission infrastructureatthe site of the former Hazelwood Power Station to connect with the grid, providing rapidresponse capabilities to supportgridfrequency and stability,as well as for the greater integration of renewable energy resources.

To enable the project to respondto changing market conditions, it was designed and built to allow forthe expansion of both the duration (MWh) and power capacity (MW) by utilising the existing connection point.

The batterycould be further expanded by up to 150 MW/300 MWh, helping to futureproof the energy supply across Victoria and the NEM.

LoyYangBworkers pitchintohelpfosterkids

By STEFAN BRADLEY

AMUCH-loved children's charity is not letting aram-raid into its new shop front curtail its mission to improve the life of foster children, with repair work underway and assistance from aLatrobe Valley business.

Earlier this month, ABetter Life For Foster Kids (ABLFFK) volunteers and 11 Loy Yang Bstaff over anumber of hours helped the charity's founder,Heather Bairdclear out and clean up their new shopfront in Sale, after acar allegedly reversed into the building in the early hours of July 23.

ABLFFK supports children entering out-of-home careand their carers, and provides carekitsfor children placed into out-of-home care, as well as caresupport services and housing transition packages, and funds activities to enrich the lives of children.

The storesustained significant damage in the alleged act of vandalism and much of the donated toys inside werethrown out due to the risk of shattered glass.

About $12,000 worth of damage was dealt to the building, and an estimated $20,000$30,000 worth of toys werenolongersafeto be given to kids.

"The people from Loy Yang Bcame down and cleaned all the glass out, gone through

all the toys and thrown out the ones that contained glass. They'refantastic, every time something happens, these guys come and sortitout for us," Ms Bairdsaid.

"You should have seen it this morningeverything had glass on it. But the shop looks amazing now."

Loy Yang BGeneral Manager,Tony Hicks said ABLFFK was one of the business' valued community partners.

"It's acause that resonates with us, and we'rethrilled to have along-running partnership with them to supportthe incredible work they do," Mr Hicks said.

"Many of our people have built strong relationships with Heather and her team over the years during volunteering days. When they heardthe news,theywereeager to help, and we werehappy to make the time available to help the charity get back on its feet."

Ms Bairdsaid she couldn't watch while the toys werebeing thrown out, noting the community had donated them.

Some of the shelves now have brand new toys, but ABLFFK will continue to accept donations to fill out the rest of the shelves -fulfillingthe building's original purpose beforethe damage.

Anyone wishing to help ABetter Life For Foster Kids can phone Heather on 0412 154 424 or visit the charity's Facebook page. It only took merehoursfor the perpetrators of the ram-raid to be arrested.

Police said awhite Haval SUV, allegedly stolen, reversed into thebuilding around 1.30am onJuly23. The vehicle was left at the scene.

It is not believed anything was taken and therewerenoinjuries, however the store sustained significant damage.

Ashort time later,officers intercepted a black BMW in the Darnum area, wherefour men were arrested.

The men from Melbourne, aged 21, 20, 20 and 20 years, have since been charged with theft of motor vehicle, burglarywith intent to commit arson and criminal damage, and have been bailed to appear beforethe Sale Magistrates' Courton November 4.

VicGrid’s renewableplaninplace

By PHILIP HOPKINS

VICGRID has released moredetails of the proposed renewableenergy zones in Gippsland as partofthe long-termstrategic plan for the development of Victoria's REZs as the Latrobe Valley's coal-fired power closes down.

The 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan sets out the transmission infrastructurethat is needed to be built over the next 15 years to connect renewableenergy to the main electricity grid.

The plan proposes the creation of six renewable energy zones (REZs) in Victoria that signal to the community,landholders andindustrywherewind and solar projects and batteries for storage should be developed.

VicGrid Chief Executive, Alistair Parker,said VicGrid had considered all the feedback it received from the community,regional stakeholders, Traditional Owners and the agricultureand energy industries in preparing the plan.

"The Victorian Transmission Plan has been designed through consultation to minimise impacts on landholders, regional communities and crucial regional industries like agriculture," he said.

"VicGrid has worked hardtobalance arange of factors as we make difficult decisions about whereenergy infrastructure is needed to deliver reliable and affordable power to Victorian homes, businesses and industry."

In response to feedback following the release of the draft plan in May,VicGrid had adjusted the size and shape of REZs and refined some of its transmission projects. The area covered by proposed zones takes up about 7.9 per cent of Victorian land.

Landholders, communities and Traditional Owners within zones will soon have another opportunity to provide feedback and seek moreinformation through asix-week consultation process to formally declare renewable energy zones.

VicGrid's plan has identified an area for additional onshorewind energy generation in Gippsland and the additional

transmission infrastructureneeded to supportabout 7GW of offshorewind.

This will connect to the Latrobe Valley's significant existing transmission infrastructure, built to connect coal-fired power in the Valley to the rest of the state. VicGrid is currently planning the Gippsland offshorewind transmission Stage 1project. This project includes aconnection hub near GiffardinSouth Gippsland and a 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission line that will connect the first 2gigawatts (GW) of offshorewind energy tothe grid in the Latrobe Valley

The authority is speaking with landholders and communities in Gippsland to identify the most suitable routefor this new transmission line.

Other developments inthe plan for Gippsland are:

w Aproposed Gippsland REZbetween Morwell and Sale. This includes parts of the local government areas of Wellington and Latrobe. Small sections of Baw Baw and South Gippsland local government areas arealso in the zone. Itsits within the Registered Aboriginal Party boundaryof the

Gunaikurnai Landand Waters Aboriginal Corporation;

w Aproposed Gippsland Shoreline REZ between the Gippsland coast and South Gippsland Highway.This zone is not designed to host onshorewind or solar projects;

w AGippsland offshorewind transmission Stage 2project, which includes anew 500 kV transmission line from the existing transmission network near Driffield to Woodside, and anew 500 kV line from Woodside to Giffard. New terminal stations will be needed at Driffield and Woodside, and;

w AsecondHazelwood to Yallourn220 kV transmission line, about10kmlong. VicGrid will investigate following the route of the existing transmission easement, but this will be subject to further technical work.

When identifying the proposed Gippsland REZ Zone between Morwell and Sale, VicGrid says it has aimed to balance complex land use issues across the region with the pressing needtoposition renewable energy zones with the best access to wind and solar energy

"Wesoughttocoordinate access to existing transmission infrastructuretoavoid the need to build moretransmission lines for onshore renewable energy generation," the authority says.

"Australia's first declared offshorewind area is located offthe coast of Gippsland and VicGrid is coordinating development of the transmission that will bring offshore wind energy from the coast to the Latrobe Valley.Partofthe proposedGippsland REZ overlaps the offshorewindtransmission study area."

To plan the extent of new energy in the Gippsland REZ, VicGrid proposes to run acompetitive allocation process to decide which projects in each zone have the authority to connect the energy they produce to the grid.

Itwill consider:

The amount of electricity Victoria needs to generate tomeet expected demand as outlined in the Victorian Transmission Plan; Ensuring the level of development inside each zone can be supported by available transmission lines;

w The density of projects within each renewable energy zone;

w How development can be coordinated to avoid the 'spaghetti effect' of many powerlines crossing the landscape, and;

w Whether developers aremeeting expectations for landholder,community and Traditional Owner engagement and benefits.

"This will ensureweultimatelyproduce enough energy to meet demand while also considering the impact on communities, TraditionalOwners, agricultureand the environment," VicGrid says.

"Weare proposing to set access limits for each zone at the maximum amount that can be managed by the planned build-out of the transmission network. Thisisnot the level of development people should expect in each zone but is the maximum that the transmission network could support."

into carbon capturestorage

By PHILIP HOPKINS

CARBONNET has forged closer ties with Japan as it deepens its research into its carbon capturestorage site at Esso's former Pelican oil and gas well in Bass Strait.

Earlier this year,the CarbonNet team welcomed Shohei Nishimura as the project's APAC Partnerships Lead. Shohei has joined CarbonNet on atwo-year secondment from the Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC).

This secondment position represents a first of akind role between the Japanese and Victorian governments. Shohei moved to Melbourne with his family.Inthe APAC Partnerships role, Shohei's focus is on the commercialisation of the CarbonNet Project. CarbonNet, funded by the Victorian and Australian governments and founded in 2009, plans to build a100km CO2 pipeline to take sequestered carbon dioxide from industryinthe Latrobe Valley to the Gippsland Basin.

After acompetitive tender,CarbonNet has awarded separate contracts to re-process old, multi-vintage 2D and 3D seismic data from the Gippsland Basin into asingle,

seamless, coherent dataset focused on the Pelican storage site, aformer Esso oil and gas well.

The work is currently being carried out in Perth, WesternAustralia and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.The objectives of the re-processing program aretobetter image CarbonNet's Pelican structureindepth, tying it to all the existing offset well data, both onshoreand offshore. The aim is to also improve seismic resolution within, and underneath the offshoreLatrobe Group coal seams, that will provide the seal and reservoirs for injected greenhouse gas. The work will formthe basis of updated subsurface models that will underpin the futureDeclaration of Storage Formation (DoSF) for the Pelican site.

The Latrobe Valley-based CarbonNet reportedonother international CCS developments:

w Germany's cabinet has approved reforms to accelerate the development of infrastructurefor CCS as Berlin aims to become carbon neutral by 2045 while keeping its hard-to-decarbonise industries. Industries that arehardtodecarbonise

such as cement and lime production and gas power plants will be allowed to store CO2 offshore, under the seabed or inland if individual federal states allow it on their territory.

The bill will classify the construction and operation of CO2 storage facilities and pipelines as being in the "overriding public interest", and simplify planning and approval procedures. Under the bill, existing natural gas pipelines could be adapted or converted tocarrycarbondioxide instead of natural gas to reduce the need to build entirely new pipelines. Authorities could legally take over private land, with compensation, for building CO2 pipelines.

Geologically,Germany hasabout 1.5 billion to 8.3 billion tonnes of CO2 storage capacity under its partofthe NorthSea and could deposit up to 20 million tons annually

w The European Commission has issued new rules obligating key oil and gas companies to help build CO2 storage capacity across the EU. Anewly adopted Delegated Regulation outlines how oil and gas producers will be identified and how their contributions will be calculated. Based on this framework, the Commission

has published aformaldecision assigning responsibility to specific companies for creating CO2 storage infrastructure, with the collective goal of enabling the injection of 50 million metric tons of CO2 annually by 2030. This target is acentral element of the EU's Net-ZeroIndustryAct.

The mandate applies to 44 companies. Their required contributions arebased on the volume of oil and gas they produced between 2020 and 2023. Eachcompany must deliver functioning CO2 injection sites by the end of 2030, in line with EU regulations under the CCS Directive (2009).

w The CCS industryin the Asia pacific is set for big expansion, with cumulative investment across capture, transportand storage projected toreach US$622 billion by 2050, according to Wood Mackenzie. Japan is expected to emerge as aregional leader in cross-border CCS, driving crossborder CO2 storage demand to 74 million tonnes per annum.

"Japan's proactive approach to crossborder CCS will serve as acatalyst for regional CCS," said Stephanie Chiang, a senior analyst.

New homestoprovide safe haven

THE first sod has been turned on a new build which will provide safe and securehomes for women and children experiencing homelessness due to family violence.

The Latrobe Valley-based project is an initiative of the Victorian Homeless Fund (VHF) which will see two new,fully furnished houses donated to give struggling families a fresh start.

Loy Yang BPower Station and Alinta Energy have provided $130,000 to fund the build, which is being undertaken by local builder Sherridon Homes and Brilley Co at cost price.

Constructed on land donated to the VHF by the Payton Foundation, it will leverage apartnership with the Housing Industry Association and its member builders and suppliers who donate their time, expertise and all materials needed to create ahome which is readytolive in.

The VHF is avolunteer-based charity focused on providing long-term, stable homes to give families afutureand break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Its chairperson, Colleen May,saidthe Latrobe Valley project was afantastic demonstration of industryworking together to achieve something great for the community

“Weare delighted to be commencing our veryfirst regional project with the generous assistance of Loy Yang BPower Station, Alinta Energy and Sherridon Homes,” she said.

“These homes will provide asafehaven for

the families in our community who will now have an opportunity to thrive because we worked together to create change.

“Weare not just talking about the problems of homelessness and family violence in our community,weare doing something about the problem and together,weare making a difference one house at atime.”

Loy Yang Band Alinta Energy said they wereproud to be substantial funders for the project.

“We’rehonoured to supportaproject that

offers access to the things so many of us take for granted, giving families hope and the chance to startover and build a moresecurefuture,” Loy Yang BGeneral Manager,Tony Hicks said.

“Everyone deserves achance to feel safe, supported, and hopeful, and that’swhat this project is all about,” Alinta Energy Executive Director Corporate Affairs, Sustainability and Governance, Sarah McNamara added.

Federal Member for Monash, MaryAldred said homelessness and family violence are

challenges for the local community and across Australia.

“I’m passionate about supporting efforts to provide asafe, secureand stable home environment for everyone across the Monash electorate,” she said.

Upon completion, expected to be by the beginning of next year,the house will be donated to Women’sProperty Initiative to appoint tenants. The organisation provides long-term, affordable housing solutions for women and children in need.

Monash’s office became thepub

By LIAM DURKIN

FEDERAL Member for Monash, Mary Aldred described the seat's namesake, General Sir John Monash, as "Australia's greatest-ever citizen" during her maiden speech to Parliament last July

Sir John Monash had much closer ties to the region than simply bearing the name of an electorate.

He was chairman of the State Electricity Commission, and his office housed in the mighty SEC YallournProduction Centre.

The heritage listed mansion, located adjacent to YallournPower Station, boasts scores of rooms,bathrooms, bars, sweeping shared spaces and astage, with avault in the basement that once stored worker payroll cash and aWorld War2 escape bunker

It is believed abronzebustofSir John Monash was found in the basement before it was put on display at PowerWorks in Morwell.

The regal two storey building featuring Greekstyle columns is currently used by community groups, who moved in around three years ago after it became dilapidated following decades of neglect.

Colloquially known as 'Gracelands', it was sold for the grand sum of $42,000 in the 1990s such was its state.

"The original plan prior to its sale, was for the then YallournEnergycorporate functions to move into the building," Energy Australia veteran, David Burt, who has been with the company for morethan 40 years, said.

"However,1994 was during the great desktop PC rollout era.

"The power lines running from YallournW Power Station to the Yallournswitchyardrun over the top of the building, which at the time caused electrical disturbance to the monitors.

"That plus the cost required to undertake significant repairs to integrated air conditioning systems, and the decision was made to move the newly assembled corporate team into the vacated former City of Moe offices."

Readers of acertain vintage however may remember the building for its other incarnations.

Long after Sir John Monash departed the scene, his office and many otherswithinthe grand building became apub,nightclub and even abrothel.

By all reports, nights out at 'Powerhouse Hotel' wereveryfrivolous affairs. Just getting therewas an effortgiven the relatively secluded location.

That the office of aman considered the greatest militarycommander in the country's historywas reducedtoabrothel is undoubtedly tragic, yet equally reflects the 'got up and left town' reality of the SEC downturn.

Sir John Monash is also featured on the Australian $100 note.

Those interested in local historywouldbe well advised to visit the old SEC building on YallournDrive. It is truly one of the most impressive structures still standing in the Valley

Supplyfrom Bass Strait vital

By LIZ WESTCOTT

AMILESTONE has been reachedin Woodside Energy’sstory–and one that brings aproud Victorian legacy full circle.

Woodside, an Australian company with deep rootsinVictoria, has reached agreement with ExxonMobil Australia to assume operatorship of the Bass Strait gas production assets and associated onshorefacilities.

The agreement represents much more than achange in operatorship.

For Woodside,it’sahomecoming.

When accountant Rees Withers and stockbroker GeoffDonaldson floated Woodside in Melbourne in 1954, they named the company after the town of Woodside (in Gippsland).

At the time, investors queued outside the Exchange, cash and shareapplications in hand, convinced by the dream of local hydrocarbons powering the state. Woodside’searly exploration in Victoria, although not immediately successful, prompted Withers’steamtolook west.

That shift to WesternAustralia in the 1960s laid foundations for what would become the nation’sleading independent energy company and the pioneer of Australia’sLNG industry.

Today,Woodside is aglobal player,with morethan 40 years of demonstrated offshoreand onshorecapability in WesternAustralia.

Our operations and projects span Australia, the US, Mexico and Africa.

As incoming Bass Strait operator,subject to deal completion targeted for 2026,

Woodside will stewardalegacy that has already delivered 11 trillion cubic feet of gas and four billion barrels of oil since 1969.

Everymolecule of gas produced in the Bass Strait is sold into the eastern Australian market to heat and cool homes, power local manufacturing, and support renewables in the electricity grid.

The Bass Strait supplies around 40 per cent of that market’sdemand,making avital contribution to national energy security/economic prosperity

Woodside sees significant advantages in operating the assets through their next phases –including maximising valueby targeting furtherproduction andreliability improvements.

Our agreement with ExxonMobil also creates flexibility to realise potential future development opportunities that meet Woodside’scapitalallocationframework.

With Australian east coast gas pricesstill under pressure, any extra supply from Bass Strait will make avital contribution to national energy security and economic prosperity

Woodside’sreturntoVictoria isn’tjust corporate symmetry; it’sareminder that big-pictureenergy policy has real rootsin our neighbourhoods.

As we debate net-zeropathways and the role of gas alongside renewables, let’sremember that in Victoria, household heaters, factoryboilers and hospital wards rely on supplies of Bass Strait gas. Liz WestcottisWoodside Executive Vice President and Chief Executive

Gippsland Energy in photos y