What does a just energy transition look like for coal communities?
Tony Wolfe a lifelong Latrobe Valley local, former coal industry worker, local government councillor, Gippsland Climate Change Network Board member and passionate advocate for community-led change spent some time with Wendy Agar from Engaged Outcomes on the emPOWER podcast to talk about my ideas, perspectives and experience about the real impacts of the energy transition on regional communities built around coal.
To quote Tony, “after working with coal to produce electricity for over 40 years, I find it mind blowing that one revolution of an offshore wind turbine can power the average Australian home for more than a day.”
Topics covered:
- How the Latrobe Valley is transitioning from coal to renewables
- The cultural and social shifts communities are navigating
- Why energy efficiency deserves more attention
- Key challenges and opportunities for coal workers and their families
- Tony’s lessons from sitting on two renewable energy community advisory groups
- Practical tips for professionals engaging in coal-affected regions
Published with the permission of EmPOWER and acknowledge that it is proudly supported by The Energy Charter.
