Project update - February 2025
27 February
Gippsland Offshore Wind Days are back!
We’ve teamed up again with other Gippsland offshore wind projects to host information sessions in March.
Across four days and locations we’ll be talking with locals about offshore wind, sharing project information and listening to ideas and feedback. Drop in anytime for a BBQ and chat:
Port Albert – Wednesday 12 March, 4 pm – 6 pm, Mechanics Institute
Golden Beach – Thursday 13 March, 4 pm - 6 pm, Community Centre
Sale – Saturday 22 March, 10 am – 2 pm, Nakunbalook Sale Botanic Garden
Leongatha – Thursday 27 March, 4 pm – 6 pm, Memorial Hall
Government agencies VicGrid and Offshore Wind Energy Victoria will also be there to answer questions about Victoria’s transmission and energy plans.
Can't make it? Contact us anytime on 1800 340 340, info@southerlyten.com.au or by visiting our Gippsland office (Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9 am-5 pm or by appointment).
Kut-Wut Brataualung origins
Are you curious about the name ‘Kut-Wut Brataualung’ and what it means?
Pronounced 'Koot-woot Bra-too-a-lung', this name was selected for our second Gippsland project in consultation with the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation.
'Kut-Wut' translates to Agnes River which flows into Corner Inlet. ‘Brataualung’ recognises the Brataualung peoples who lived in and around the Toora area.
We're excited to work with Traditional Custodians of Country to shape projects which add value for the Gunaikurnai and broader Gippsland community, and help preserve the environment for future generations.
Kut-Wut Brataualung has the potential to power around 1.2 million homes for 30 years while creating new jobs and economic opportunities for Gippslanders.
Agnes River, South Gippsland
Australian-made tech revolutionising data collection
The Seeker Class Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), a new innovation from the Australian Centre for Robotics and University of Sydney, was taken for a test run off Port Albert - and we were lucky enough to see it in action.
These AUVs can go as deep as 300 m underwater to collect high-resolution imagery of the seafloor that can be developed into landscape-scale 3D models of the environment. We were impressed by its ability to collect remarkably detailed imagery and data and offer a safer and faster collection process.
Stefan has been leading work on the AUV and is excited about how it will be used in Australia's offshore wind industry. "We see opportunities for this technology in environmental monitoring and impact assessment, offshore energy infrastructure management, fisheries, port infrastructure and defence applications", he said.
Jason (second left) and the Sydney University team spent the day onboard ‘SeaPride’ with Neil (left)
Supplier profile: Atoll Offshore
We recently had the opportunity to tour Atoll Offshore’s ‘Starcat' vessel, a former fishing boat now used for survey work across Australia.
Atoll Offshore’s fleet of aluminium vessels and subsea services have been used locally and interstate for more than 12 years. One of their vessels - the 'Silver Star' – was used to map the seafloor for Star of the South in 2020.
John said he’s "eagerly anticipating Star of the South’s development and is excited for the opportunities offshore wind will bring local businesses.”
Atoll Offshore is featured on page 45 of the Offshore Wind Supplier Showcase.
Paul and Lachlan with John (right) from Atoll Offshore in Lakes Entrance
Did you know?
Turbine technology has advanced over the years to be more efficient, reliable, and sustainable than ever before.
Back in 2000, a typical offshore wind turbine had a 2 MW capacity. Today, 14 MW turbines are being installed. And 20 MW turbines are being designed for the future.
This means fewer turbines are needed to generate more electricity more cost-effectively, and with a reduced footprint on the seabed.
Offshore wind around the world
Offshore wind was pioneered in Europe in the 1990s. Now it’s being deployed worldwide as countries look to decarbonise and secure their energy systems.
The Asia-Pacific region is one of the fastest growing markets, with Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, China, and Vietnam all looking offshore for solutions. The Global Wind Energy Council forecasts 120 GW of new offshore wind capacity to be installed throughout the region by 2030.
Our colleagues in South Korea recently finished installing the country’s first commercial offshore wind farm - Jeonnam 1. This project is set to power around 60,000 households.
South Korea is targeting 14.3 GW of offshore wind by 2030.
Jeonnam 1 Offshore Wind Farm, South Korea