Bass Strait seabed goes under the microscope for offshore wind
28 April 2023
Investigations to test seabed conditions off the Gippsland coast start today for Australia’s most advanced offshore wind project - Star of the South.
A specialist vessel and crew will spend five weeks at sea collecting soil and rock samples from up to 70 metres beneath the seafloor.
This is the first ever marine geotechnical campaign in Australia for offshore wind, with study findings to be used to design the proposed wind farm to suit local seabed conditions.
Star of the South Chief Executive Officer, Charles Rattray, said the seabed studies follow four years of engineering and environmental investigations on the project.
“These investigations will collect critical data to drive progress on the project and bring us another step closer to bringing offshore wind energy into the grid this decade”.
“Knowing what’s under the seabed in this specific location helps ensure everything we do – from turbine design and placement through to construction methods – is tailored especially for this spot in Bass Strait”, Mr Rattray said.
The investigations will collect samples from 22 locations within the project’s 2019 Exploration Licence area over five weeks, starting from late April 2023.
Marine contractor Fugro Australia will manage the investigations for Star of the South, using their specialist geotechnical drill vessel the Fugro Mariner.
“Fugro has extensive experience working on offshore renewable energy projects around the world, delivering ground investigations safely and to the highest standard. We are proud to bring our world-leading approach to Gippsland to support Australia's growing offshore wind industry”, said Mr Shalu Shajahan, Fugro APAC Regional Business Line Director, Marine Site Characterisation.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio welcomed the investigations as a critical next step in delivering a thriving offshore wind sector.
“Victoria is leading the country in delivering offshore wind energy with our ambitious targets and significant investment. These important investigations bring us another step closer to unlocking this enormous industry – creating thousands of jobs and driving billions of dollars of investment”.
Fishing and recreational boats can continue using the area while investigations are underway, keeping a safe distance from the Fugro Mariner.
More information can be found at starofthesouth.com.au or by phoning 1800 340 340.
Star of the South is a 2.2GW offshore wind project with potential to supply around 20 percent of Victoria’s energy needs and create up to 2,000 direct new jobs in Victoria.
Star of the South is powered with investment and backing from world-leading green fund manager Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), which is on track to deploy EUR 100 billion equity into renewables by 2030.
These investigations are co-funded with the Victorian Government through the Energy Innovation Fund.
About Star of the South
Star of the South is Australia’s most advanced offshore wind project, proposed to be located off the Wellington coast of Gippsland in Victoria. Star of the South would help meet energy, emissions reduction, and economic goals by supplying secure, reliable and affordable power for up to 1.2 million homes. The project is in the feasibility phase with environmental assessments currently underway to inform project planning and approvals. If Star of the South is approved and proceeds to construction, works could start around the middle of this decade with first power before the end of the decade to align with planned closure of Latrobe Valley coal power plants.
The project is majority owned by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners’ flagship fund - CI IV, together with Cbus Super and Australian founders. Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S is the world’s largest dedicated fund manager within greenfield renewable energy investments and a leader in offshore wind globally. CIP has ambition and a roadmap for accelerating its role in delivering on the energy transition by deploying EUR 100bn into green energy investments by 2030.
About Fugro
Fugro is the world’s leading geo-data specialist, collecting and analysing comprehensive information about the Earth and the structures built upon it. Adopting an integrated approach that incorporates acquisition and analysis of Geo-data and related advice, Fugro provides solutions. With expertise in site characterisation and asset integrity, clients are supported in the safe, sustainable and efficient design, construction and operation of their assets throughout the full lifecycle. Employing approximately 10,000 talented people in 57 countries, Fugro serves clients around the globe, predominantly in the energy, infrastructure and water industries, both offshore and onshore. In 2022, revenue amounted to EUR 1.8 billion. Fugro is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.