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A helping hand.

AGL Loy Yang’s community funding and partnership programs enable them to support the community.

Sep 26, 2023


Words: AGL
Images: AGL

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For four decades, Loy Yang Power Station has played a crucial role in powering Victoria; however, its impact on the local community goes far beyond energy production.

Since its inception, Loy Yang has invested heavily in the Latrobe Valley, sponsoring a wide range of community programs and initiatives. As we mark our 40th anniversary, it's time to celebrate the legacy of our community sponsorship and the positive changes it has brought to the region.

“The program is a credit to those who came before us... key leaders in developing this program and delivering its support to the local community.”

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Celebrating 40 Years of Generation at Loy Yang.
Celebrating 40 Years of Generation at Loy Yang.

AGL Loy Yang’s community funding and partnership programs enable us to support the community in which we work and operate. From local schools to sporting leagues, health and wellbeing providers to motorbike tracks, tennis competitions to carols by candlelight – you name it, AGL Loy Yang has supported it over the last 40 years.

The program is a credit to those who came before us, with Alan Bullen, Richard Elkington and Gerald May being key leaders in developing this program and delivering its support to the local community.

AGL Loy Yang's community grant program is currently open for applications of up to $5,000. Visit our website for more details. Applications close on 27 September.




A timeline of Loy Yang.


Establishment
1971
Initial discussions begin for a new power station in the Latrobe Valley to meet Victoria’s growing energy demands.

1973
Detailed investigations into a power station and mine at Loy Yang commence.

1976
It is announced that a 4000-megawatt power station and mine will be constructed at Loy Yang.

1977
Construction begins at Loy Yang A and the opencut mine.

1979
The first Loy Yang Open Day is held, giving the public an opportunity to see the construction site.

1982
The first dredger begins clearing overburden (the material above the coal) for the open cut.

Generation Commences
1984
Power generation begins at Loy Yang A with the switching on of the first unit.

1985
The second unit is switched on at Loy Yang coal) for the open cut.

1987
The third unit is switched on at Loy Yang.

1988
Loy Yang A is officially completed when the fourth and final unit is switched on.

1989
A Coal Supply Reliability of 92% and a Station Available Capacity Factor of 86.01% was achieved, above State Government targets.

Operations
1994
A record-breaking one million cubic metres of material is dug in one month from the Loy Yang Mine, setting the scene for future site achievements.

1995
Loy Yang A and mine become an independent corporatised entity, forming Loy Yang Power.

1997
Loy Yang Power is sold to the private sector as part of the privatisation of Victoria’s energy industry.

2000
Loy Yang A is upgraded to have a generating capacity of 2200MW.

2004
Loy Yang Power is sold to a consortium of private investors, the Great Energy Alliance Corporation.

Modernisation & Ownership Changes
2012
AGL Energy acquires Loy Yang A and the Loy Yang mine.

2014
The control systems for all four units at Loy Yang A are converted from analogue systems to digital, increasing reliability and flexibility.

2017
AGL announces a long-term strategy for Loy Yang A, focusing on gradually reducing its reliance on coal and exploring alternatives for future energy production.

Adaption & Future Planning
2023
AGL Loy Yang hosts the Latrobe Valley Energy Hub Day to discuss how the site will support the Latrobe Valley energy transition.

2024
Loy Yang celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of operation as one of Victoria’s most important energy assets.

We'd love to hear you're unique stories from the past 40 years of power generation at Loy Yang. If you've got a tale on how the site has impacted your life, please reach out to md@gippslandia.com.au - thanks!

Gippslandia - Issue No. 32

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