The Science of Victorian Brown Coal provides extensive information on Victorian brown coal, which is a major fossil fuel resource by any standard and constitutes about 97% of Victoria's recoverable energy reserves. Energy from brown coal has been the mainstay of the Victorian economy, providing low-cost electricity to the state grid, briquettes as a fuel for industry and town gas prior to the discovery of natural gas. Because of the unique properties of the coal, it has been necessary to develop an in-depth scientific knowledge of the coal and its behavior, as well as innovative technologies for its effective utilization. The economic benefit brown coal has provided to Victoria is demonstrated throughout the chapters. This book aims to provide the springboard for further research and lead to a new era in the development of value-added products and the more efficient utilization of this major resource. This text is a useful reference for students or individuals conducting research on fossil fuel energy, specifically on brown coals.

Geoffrey Blainey turns his attention to the state in which he was born and raised.