NZEA at the Gippsland New Energy Conference

The Net Zero Economy Authority’s Latrobe Valley Region team recently joined more than 700 attendees at the Gippsland New Energy Conference. 

Held in the heart of Latrobe, the conference recognised the region has been the engine room for Victoria and its energy needs for generations. The region must now focus on how it transitions away from coal while continuing to provide reliable power for the state and secure jobs for local workers. 

Offshore wind remains a major economic opportunity for the region, with attendees excited about the promising prospects within the Gippsland Renewable Energy Zone. There are also many emerging clean energy opportunities for the region, including the possibility for geothermal energy to be sourced in the area. The local council is also exploring an Aerospace Technology Precinct to support a cleaner aviation sector. 

These projects represent positive, forward-looking opportunities for the region. 

While Victoria is currently sourcing 40% of its grid power from renewables, exceeding its target, many at the Gippsland New Energy Conference called for greater focus on the next 3–5 years of change.  

This includes the planned closure of the Yallourn Power Station in 2028, which is expected to affect over 500 permanent workers and additional supply chain roles. There was an acknowledgment that the local economy needs further diversification in order to support a smooth transition. 

The Authority is working closely with regional stakeholders to ensure the Latrobe region remains attractive to new businesses and investors, while continuing to actively facilitate opportunities for growth. 

During the conference, Troy Macdonald, Chair of Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, emphasised the need for First Nations people to be partners, not bystanders, in the transition to net zero. 

The Authority has a First Nations Policy team which works to ensure the NZEA is supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to participate in, and benefit from, Australia’s transition to a net zero emissions economy. 

The Authority’s Latrobe Valley Region team were able to connect with a range of stakeholders during their time in the region, including representatives from unions, industry and local councils. These discussions are directly informing their work on how the NZEA can support the Latrobe region to prosper, including through economic development and investment.