Orsted and the University of Melbourne have partnered to bolster Australia’s shift towards renewable energy.
The institute has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Orsted to combine the company’s “unique operational experience” with the university’s deep knowledge of the local marine environment, biodiversity and Indigenous Sea Country to help “design and deliver the best offshore wind outcomes in Australia”.
In addition to fostering academic and research cooperation within the offshore wind sector, the partnership will also focus on enhancing the preparedness of students and researchers for careers in the growing renewable energy sector.
University of Melbourne Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology dean Mark Cassidy said: “This MoU with Orsted will allow us to play a pivotal role in unlocking the potential of offshore wind energy, with long-term benefits for local communities, the economy and the overall environment.”
Orsted Australia director Henriette Holm said: “Orsted is delighted to join forces with the University of Melbourne to help Australia fast-track and benefit from its enormous offshore wind potential.
“With the sharing of expert local and global knowledge, the MoU will help accelerate collaboration around offshore wind opportunities to deliver the best outcomes for Australian communities, workforces, educators, businesses and the environment.
“Orsted is a strong believer in long-term academic partnerships, which have helped it achieve unrivalled success in constructing 33 offshore wind farms across Europe, the US and Asia Pacific.”
Orsted believes the development of an Australian offshore wind industry holds huge potential for experienced professionals with transferrable skills and those just entering the workforce.
The initial phase of Orsted’s proposed project off the coast of Gippsland in Victoria will create up to 6000 jobs, with local workers and students able to tap into its technical knowledge and skills transfer programmes.
The partnership will kick off with a guest lecture on offshore wind foundation design delivered by Orsted senior specialist Avi Shonberg in a newly launched subject “Offshore Wind Geotechnical Engineering”.