Gippsland officially the home of offshore wind
5 August 2022
Offshore wind in Gippsland is a step closer to becoming a reality, with the Commonwealth Government announcing the Bass Strait off Gippsland as the first area to be formally assessed under its new Offshore Electricity Infrastructure framework.
Australia’s first and most progressed offshore wind project, Star of the South, welcomed today’s announcement, highlighting offshore wind as an essential technology to secure Australia’s clean energy future.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will now conduct a 60-day public consultation process, including with local communities and maritime users.
Starting the process to declare Gippsland as an area for offshore wind development will give greater certainty to the industry, the local supply chain, and communities.
Anticipating operating off the Gippsland coast by the end of the decade, Star of the South believes Gippsland is best placed to become the home of Australia’s offshore wind industry due to its strong wind resource, good grid connections and skilled workforce.
Star of the South is in the development phase, recently completing geotechnical surveys along its proposed 75 km transmission route and more than two years of marine surveys in Bass Strait.
The project would create an estimated 2,000 Victorian jobs across its life, with $8.7 billion investment in Victoria.
Star of the South is one of the nation’s largest proposed energy developments, allowing Australia to meet its emissions reduction targets by powering up to 1.2 million homes with clean energy. The project would provide jobs for energy workers with the potential to create 2000 direct Victorian jobs, and 200 ongoing local operational jobs, providing a timely economic boost to the Gippsland region.
Quotes attributable to Star of the South Acting CEO, Erin Coldham
“We are pleased to see Bass Strait off Gippsland being formally considered as the first location for offshore electricity projects, and consultation starting with local communities, fishers and other marine users.
“We know the wind conditions here are ideal, with many opportunities for investment in the region.
“A local offshore wind sector will deliver a clean energy boost, cut emissions, and create local jobs. It’s encouraging to see the Government pushing ahead with offshore wind in Gippsland and keeping the momentum going.
“We are committed to continuing Gippsland’s proud history of power generation into the future and making the region the home of offshore wind in Australia.
“We encourage all community members to have their say during the required 60-day public consultation process to ensure projects are developed with local input in mind.”
About Star of the South
Star of the South is Australia’s first offshore wind project, proposed to be located off the south 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, or nearly 20% of the State’s energy needs. 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 by the middle of this decade with full power before the end of the decade.