Meeting Victoria’s energy requirements in the 21st Century

Abstract

Victoria has a remarkable richness and diversity of energy resources. Reserve estimates include some 430 billion tonnes of brown coal, in near-surface seams up to 230 metres thick; over 8 trillion cubic feet of as yet undiscovered gas; and perhaps 600 million barrels of undiscovered crude oil. To this may be added some of the best wind resources in the world, significant solar resources, the potential for geothermal energy resources, and significant bioenergy potential associated with Victoria’s substantial agricultural and forestry industries. Victoria is also deeply enmeshed in the national grid, so provided that reasonable investment in network maintenance and security continues, and demand growth (including peak demand growth) is restrained by energy efficiency policies, network security should remain high. Setting aside temporary disruptions due to infrastructure failures, running out of energy is not a problem that Victoria will face during the 21st century, or perhaps ever.