Six projects have been granted feasibility licences for Australia’s first offshore wind precinct.
High Sea Wind, Gippsland Skies, Blue Mackerel North, Kut-Wut Brataualung, Ørsted Offshore Australia 1 and Star of the South Wind Farm will now be able to conduct detailed geological and environmental surveys off the coast of Gippsland.
The government intends to grant another six licences, subject to First Nations consultation.
These 12 projects together could generate up to 25 GW of electricity — more electricity than the entire state of Victoria generated last year.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said Australia’s offshore wind industry presents a huge opportunity for the regions that have powered our country for generations.
“Australia’s first offshore wind zone has hit a new milestone, with reliable renewables and secure jobs a step closer for Gippsland,” he said.
“Granting feasibility licences is the next step to helping deliver a new clean energy industry for Australia, as well as future-proof energy security and reliability for Victoria.”
The Victorian Government has offshore wind targets of 2 GW by 2032, 4 GW by 2035 and 9 GW by 2040. While the offshore wind precinct in Gippsland hasn’t been subject to the degree of public outcry of a proposed project in the Illawarra, there are some concerns about the time it will take to complete the project.
With the government promoting the project as a big job creator, it’s unclear where the many engineers and construction workers needed for the precinct are going to live.
Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said projects in the Gippsland offshore wind zone will be key to delivering the state’s renewable energy targets.
“We’re proud to be paving the way for the country’s first offshore wind farms which will harness our world-class offshore wind resources and power homes and businesses across Australia with renewable energy.
“These offshore wind projects will also support thousands of jobs in Gippsland and across the supply chain — opening up new opportunities for skills development within the renewable energy industry.”
Consultation with First Nations groups, communities, and marine users will continue throughout the feasibility licence process.
If feasibility is proven, developers can then apply for a commercial licence to build an offshore wind project to generate electricity commercially.
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