The Albanese Government has released draft guidance for Research and Demonstration licences in declared offshore renewable energy zones.
The licences will support developers, scientists and researchers to test new technologies and investigate feasibility before progressing to commercial projects.
Proposed to run for 10 years, the licences will be available across all six declared areas, including the Hunter and Illawarra, which the government said could unlock 8GW of capacity through floating wind.
Minister for climate change and energy Chris Bowen said: “These Research and Demonstration licences are a big green light to domestic and international investors, signalling that Australia wants to be home to the next technological advance when it comes to offshore renewable development.”
Bowen added: “Our first priority for Australia’s offshore renewables areas is to deliver cleaner and cheaper energy… Australian waters are the perfect place to research and develop these technologies, demonstrate their viability and work towards turning our clean energy potential into gigawatts of power.”
The licences will enable projects such as buoy-based monitoring and demonstration arrays, with applications to be assessed for appropriateness and subject to community consultation.
Consultation on the draft guidelines runs from 22 August to 3 October 2025.