Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio says Australia’s first offshore wind industry auction will open in August for an initial 2GW of capacity after its postponement was announced back in September 2025.
Minister D’Ambrosio announced the decision to delay the auction process, citing issues ranging from a lack of funding agreement from the federal government, delays to plans for the Port of Hastings renewables terminal, and global uncertainty in the offshore wind sector.
Related article: Trouble in the water: Victoria delays first offshore wind tender
Victoria’s Gippsland offshore wind zone has seen the cancellation of several projects, including AGL’s Gippsland Skies, RWE’s Kent offshore wind farm, and BlueFloat Energy’s Gippsland Dawn.
In December, Australia’s Energy Ministers provided in-principle support for the Electricity Services Entry Mechanism (ESEM), providing a pathway for new renewable energy projects, including offshore wind, that support Victoria meeting our renewable energy targets.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said, “We want to give industry the certainty it needs to invest and help us keep building the renewable energy Victoria needs to push down energy bills.
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“We’re working closely with developers on the progress of this exciting auction to ensure strong competition to secure the best projects and best value for Victorians.
“We’ve always said Victoria will host the country’s first offshore wind industry and that’s why Victoria pushed for the ESEM to accommodate technologies including offshore wind.”
