Graduate Environmental Program

Hazelwood power station in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley emits c.17 million tonnes of CO2 annually, making it of the dirtiest power stations in the industrialised world. This is 15% of Victoria’s and 3-5% of Australia’s emissions. It is fuelled by brown coal from an adjacent mine and supplies c25% of the state’s electricity. Because of its high emissions, old technology, and exhaustion of the proximate coal mine,  its working life was supposed to be until 2009 only. In 2005, however, the Victoria government extended this to 2031 and allowed mining to be extended (but only after vigorous debate and opposition).  Beginning with Hazelwood, a campaign has now begun to transform growing public concern about local CO2 emissions into statewide changes – arguing the Latrobe Valley can be transformed to a renewable energy manufacturing hub, with better jobs,  and transition away from its dependence on coal to gas fired generation and renewables. For forthcoming activities and protests – see http://www.switchoffhazelwood.org . The Hazelwood International Power site is here and details some current demonstration projects and efforts to reduce emissions.