Victoria’s offshore wind energy sector enters next phase

renewable energy, renewables, sustainability, VIC, wind energy,

December 19, 2023

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The ‘Offshore Wind Implementation Statement 3’ will guide the renewable industry and community through the next phase of Victoria’s offshore wind development.

Victoria is a step closer to becoming the home of Australia’s first offshore wind generation industry – which will be key to delivering the state’s renewable energy transition and meeting our targets of at least 2 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy generation by 2032, 4 GW by 2035 and 9 GW by 2040.

Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio announced the Offshore Wind Implementation Statement 3– which will guide industry and community through the next stage of Victoria’s offshore wind development.

Implementation Statement 3 outlines the parameters for the proposed support package for the first tranche of offshore wind projects in Victoria – giving industry the certainty and confidence they need to establish their operations locally. This will be run through a competitive auction process to be rolled out in 2025 with contracts awarded in 2026.

The Statement also provides an update on VicGrid’s approach to the coordination of transmission using its Options Assessment Method that has been developed in consultation with landholders, communities and stakeholders. Preferred transmission project options will be announced in 2024.

The Statement outlines workforce opportunities across all stages of offshore wind farm development, meaning jobs for Victorians in trade professions, engineering, administrative and other roles.

“Our offshore wind targets will be critical in leading Victoria through the renewable energy transition as we build the significant capacity urgently needed to replace our closing coal-fired power stations,” says Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio.

“We’re taking industry and community with us every step of the way through rigorous consultation, ensuring we achieve the best outcomes for our state, as global businesses compete to for a slice of Victoria’s world class wind energy resources,” says Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio.

Victoria also has the potential to support and facilitate the establishment of the offshore wind industry at several ports in addition to Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal at the Port of Hastings.

“Victoria is positioned to be Australia’s offshore wind powerhouse and we are focused on ensuring local industry and workers will benefit,” says Acting Minister for Jobs and Industry Colin Brooks.

A fit-for-purpose regulatory framework is also being developed to support the industry to ensure the environment is protected as the industry grows. Existing frameworks to protect the marine and coastal environments will apply, and information products and tools are being developed to specifically support planning for offshore wind energy.

The Statement outlines a competitive procurement process to maximise local content while adapting requirements to reflect the early stages of the sector’s development in Australia.

“Local ports will play a critical role in supporting the offshore wind sector, with several ports across Victoria offering ideal locations to set up operational bases for offshore wind projects,” says Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne.

“Recognising the impact on our First Peoples, the Statement outlines the Victorian Government’s continued commitment to meaningful steps toward self-determination and supporting the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation’s aspirations for mutually beneficial agreements with offshore wind developers,” says Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation Chief Executive Officer Daniel Miller.

In order to maximise opportunities for local industry development and local jobs, the Government will also establish the Renewable Jobs Taskforce, which will coordinate industry engagement and participation across offshore wind projects. The Taskforce will include representatives from unions, industry associations, businesses and community.

Recognising the impact on our First Peoples, the Statement outlines the Government’s continued commitment to meaningful steps toward self-determination and supporting the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation’s aspirations for mutually beneficial agreements with offshore wind developers in the Gippsland area.

Click here to read the Implementation Statement.

Click here to read Victoria’s Offshore Wind Energy Implementation Statement 3.

Source: © State Government of Victoria

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