New Bills to greenlight offshore wind projects

Offshore wind farm (ampcontrol)
Image: Shutterstock

Australia’s renewable energy sector has been given a rare boost, with the federal government introducing two bills that could see the introduction of offshore wind projects in national waters for the first time.

Energy Minister Angus Taylor introduced the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Bill and the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Bill (regulatory levies) in parliament on Thursday, September 2.

The Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Bill 2021 will establish a framework for the construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of offshore electricity projects.

Related article: Australia has ‘huge potential’ for offshore wind

“An offshore electricity industry in Australia will further strengthen our economy, create jobs and opportunities for Australians, and enhance the delivery of affordable and reliable power,” Minister Taylor said.

“A new offshore industry, enabled by this Bill, represents an important new opportunity for Australia.

“Offshore generation and transmission can deliver significant benefits to all Australians through a more secure and reliable electricity system, and create thousands of new jobs and business opportunities in regional Australia.

“Importantly this Bill will accelerate a number of projects already under development like the Marinus Link transmission line, which will connect the mainland to Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation project.”

In addition to the Marinus Link transmission line, passage of this Bill will help progress a number of projects that are already under development including Star of the South off the coast of Gippsland, Victoria, and Sun Cable in the north.

Combined, Marinus Link, Star of the South and Sun Cable are estimated to be worth over $10 billion and are expected to create over 10,000 direct and indirect job opportunities during construction.

Related article: Marinus Link among projects to be fast-tracked

The legislation covers infrastructure projects for offshore electricity transmission cables and offshore renewable energy generation, including offshore wind and ensures co-existence with other users of the offshore area would be managed from the start.

The legislation safeguards the environment and requires project developers to make financial commitments to properly decommission projects when they are no longer productive. This ensures tax payers do not foot the bill for removal of any retired assets in the future.

Under the legislation, the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA) will oversee licences for offshore projects, while the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) will have oversight of ongoing operations and safety.
 

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