The Australian Government has declared the Bass Strait offshore wind zone in northern Tasmania, adding to the five already declared offshore wind zones in Australian waters.
The Bass Strait offshore wind zone could support up to 20GW of round-the-clock reliable renewable energy—more than half of the current electricity demand across southeast Australia. One rotation of a single offshore wind turbine generates as much energy as an average rooftop solar installation does in a day.
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In response to feedback from local leaders, industry, fishers, unions, First Nations people and community groups, the declared Bass Strait zone is smaller and further out to sea. It now sits at least 30km off Tasmania’s north coast and spans 7,100sqkm—reduced by about 30% of the original proposal. It also includes a carve-out for a shipping lane.
In establishing Tasmania’s offshore wind industry, there is also an opportunity to future proof existing industries like steel, cement and advanced componentry, boosting Australian supply chains and local economies.
The Commonwealth will require project proponents to demonstrate their commitment to Australian manufactured inputs, local suppliers and benefits to the local economy, to inform the merits of feasibility licence applications.
Offshore wind developers can apply for feasibility licences now until 12 March 2025, which allow them to assess the feasibility of offshore wind projects in the declared Bass Strait zone.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said, “Tasmania is already an energy powerhouse—running on 1005 renewables—but the power of offshore wind could see the state produce and export even more clean and reliable energy.
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“The Bass Strait has truly world-class wind resources, with sustained wind speeds of more than 8 metres per second.
“Harnessing this power and capitalising on Tasmania’s highly skilled workforce with decades of experience in engineering, logistics and infrastructure can provide energy security for Australian homes and businesses, future proof existing industry and power new green energy industries.”
