Victoria’s energy challenge explained (in 7 charts)

The state has been powered by vast reserves of cheap oil, gas and brown coal. But it faces blackouts in coming years – here’s how that happened.

Published 19 March, 2025.

Victoria has an unusual energy history in two key areas that are important as we contemplate a net zero future.

Firstly, for much of the past 50 years, Victoria’s economy has been powered by vast and low-cost oil, gas and cheap brown coal. But that base is rapidly disappearing. Coal power stations must close because of climate change. Local gas supplies will run short of demand within the coming years.

Read more of Tony Wood’s article at the Australian Financial Review.