This book provides an accessible and critical appraisal of Australia’s regional energy transition initiatives.

The book begins by situating Australian energy transition in the context of Australian and international debates about climate change and energy transition. It then explores how energy transition planning was made possible in Australia’s regional energy heartlands even while public transition planning was impossible. The authors consider five case studies of key early transition initiatives in the Latrobe Valley (Victoria), Hunter Valley (NSW), Central Queensland (Queensland), Port Augusta (South Australia) and Collie (Western Australia). They explore how transition came onto the agenda and outline the key actors, decision points and actions. The authors critically assess the successes and failures of each initiative, drawing out key learnings for other regions. The book concludes by evaluating the key cross-cutting themes emerging from the five case studies and draws out the lessons they teach about how to achieve a just transition.

This concise book will be of great interest to students and scholars of energy transitions, climate action, social justice, economic renewal and regional transition challenges and strategies, both in Australia and overseas.