The Commonwealth Government has officially declared an offshore wind zone in the Southern Ocean off western Victoria—the third and smallest declared offshore wind zone in Australia.
Related article: Consultation opens for Bunbury offshore wind zone in WA
The 1,030sq km declared offshore wind zone is much smaller than the originally proposed 5,100sq km area, with the government scaling back the size of the zone after the South Australian Government expressed concerns over the potential impact on its fisheries industries and marine life.
The declared offshore wind zone could generate up to 2.9GW of offshore wind energy— enough to power over 2 million homes.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the declaration was a major step towards Australia’s clean energy future.
“The Southern Ocean offshore wind zone has the potential to create thousands of new, high-value jobs and help secure cleaner, cheaper more reliable energy for regional Victoria.
“Australia has abundant renewable energy, the cheapest form of energy, and the government is committed to helping Australians benefit from these natural resources, including offshore wind.”
Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said wind farms off Victoria’s coast would help power the state with affordable, clean energy.
“Victoria is leading the way in offshore wind, with the first wind zones in the country declared off the coast of Gippsland and the southwest coast,” D’Ambrosio said.
“This is another step closer to delivering our target of at least 2GW of offshore wind energy by 2032 and will also help us get to net zero by 2045.”
Feasibility licence applications for offshore wind projects in the Southern Ocean zone will open from 6 March until 2 July 2024.
During the feasibility licence stage, developers must undertake detailed environmental assessments and engage in further consultation, including how the project will coexist with shipping, tourism and fishing industries.
Related article: Consultation opens for Tasmanian offshore wind zone
Construction can only begin after the feasibility stage is completed and developers have gained subsequent environmental and management plan approvals, as well as demonstrating how projects will benefit Australian industry and jobs.
