Australia’s most advanced offshore wind project, Star of the South, has filed for approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act—the primary environmental approval required for the project to proceed.
Proposed for Victoria’s Gippsland offshore wind zone, Star of the South is an up to 2.2GW offshore wind energy project with the potential to power 1.2 million homes across 30 years of operations.
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The news follows Star of the South executing a major land purchase where the project’s cables will come to shore, securing renewed Major Project Status with the Commonwealth Government, and formally entering into an Engagement Agreement with the Traditional Owners.
The environmental approval submission follows seven years of technical and environmental studies, including a world-class marine survey program. It draws on 26 technical studies examining potential effects of the project on environmental, cultural, social and economic values.
Star of the South CEO Charles Rattray said the assessment is the most comprehensive ever undertaken for an energy project in Australia.
“This environmental assessment reflects seven years of rigorous science and consultation to understand the local environment and how to protect it. We’ve done the work, and then some, to ensure government and the community can have confidence that the project will be delivered responsibly,” he said.
In a separate milestone, Star of the South has purchased 120ha of farmland on Gippsland’s coast near Reeves Beach. This site is where underground cables will come to shore, bringing the electricity generated out at sea into the grid.
“Securing the shore crossing site locks in a critical piece of the project’s infrastructure and reinforces our long-term commitment to Gippsland,” Rattray said.
“This is a huge step forward, recognising the positive relationships we’ve built with landholders over time, which we’ll continue to prioritise through the next steps of development.”
Last month, the Australian Government renewed Major Project Status for Star of the South, recognising its potential contribution to Australia’s clean energy needs. The decision means the project will continue to receive tailored support from the Major Projects Facilitation Agency for another three years, including assistance navigating regulatory approvals.
The project has been under development since 2017. It was granted an Exploration Licence in 2019 and a Feasibility Licence in 2024 to explore the potential for offshore wind in Bass Strait off the Gippsland coast. All initial feasibility studies have been completed, confirming that Star of the South is suitably located, technically feasible and able to make a significant contribution to energy supply and emissions reduction.
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If successful in securing all necessary approvals, construction is targeted later this decade to support the National Electricity Market and Victoria’s energy transition with the closure of Yallourn Power Station scheduled for 2028 and Loy Yang A for 2035.
Meanwhile, three offshore wind projects in the Gippsland offshore wind zone have been abandoned by developers, including AGL’s proposed Gippsland Skies, RWE’s Kent offshore wind farm and BlueFloat Energy’s Gippsland Dawn offshore wind project.
