Importance and role

For almost 100 years, brown coal has powered Victoria's development. The inexpensive and abundant fossil fuel has powered Victorian homes and industry, and has contributed to Victoria's economic strength and stability.

Today, the Victorian brown coal industry continues to function as the backbone of Victoria's energy grid, supplying around 85 per cent of Victoria's energy needs, and producing approximately 46,000 GWh from 65 million tonnes of brown coal annually.

The industry is relied on to fulfill Victoria's baseload power needs. That is, the constant supply of energy that is required so that, at any time, the state's typical power needs can be met - free of interruption or blackout.