The Australian state of Victoria has released its Offshore Wind Implementation Statement, which sets out the next steps to establish a Victorian offshore wind industry.
These include the creation of a new government agency – Offshore Wind Energy Victoria – to streamline and drive coordinated development of the sector.
The news follows an announcement from the Australian Federal Government this week that its Rewiring the Nation plan will fast-track Victorian Renewable Zones and offshore wind.
Star of the South, Australia’s first offshore wind project, has welcomed the new commitments to fast-track offshore wind in Victoria.
The proposed project will be located in Bass Strait off the coast of Gippsland in Victoria. With a capacity of up to 2.2GW, the project would power around 1.2 million homes and create up to 2,000 Victorian jobs across its lifetime.
Star of the South is targeting first power from the project in 2028 to deliver electricity and jobs to coincide with the planned closure of the Latrobe Valley’s Yallourn Power Station.
The company’s CEO Charles Rattray said: “Offshore wind will be a game-changer for Victoria – delivering significant energy and jobs in the right place and at the right time.
“Having all levels of government on the same page is critical to drive the quick decisions and real action needed get offshore wind up and running.
“The Offshore Wind Implementation Statement is a positive step toward the clear and certain path needed to attract the investment, supply chain and workforce needed for a successful offshore wind industry.
“As the first and most progressed project in Australia, we are in a strong position to support government achieving its ambitious offshore wind and decarbonisation goals.”