Billions of dollars of opportunities for Australian businesses to supply the offshore wind industry have been uncovered in a supply chain study by Star of the South wind farm in Gippsland, Australia.
The study “Offshore Wind Supplier Showcase” found hundreds of businesses in the region already have capabilities the offshore wind industry will need – from steel components to port services, civil construction and engineering companies – and the report aims to promote and connect these companies with buyers around the world.
It follows two years working with global suppliers, local industry, Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, local government and state agencies to understand what offshore wind suppliers need to buy and what Gippsland, Victoria and Australia can supply.
More than 450 businesses are featured, ranging from sole traders to major contractors, with a focus on Aboriginal and Gippsland-based suppliers.
“Victoria will be the home of Australia’s first offshore wind farms and Gippsland’s skilled workforce and supply chain capabilities perfectly positions them to benefit from the industry,” said Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio.
“Our offshore wind energy target of 2GW of offshore wind capacity by 2032, 4GW by 2035 and 9GW by 2040 will create over 6000 jobs and generate billions in investment,” she said.
Star of the South Chief Development Officer Erin Coldham (pictured above right) launched the Offshore Wind Supplier Showcase alongside Senator Jess Walsh (left) at Sale-based Tequa Plumbing and Civil, one of more than 250 Gippsland businesses featured in the showcase.
“We’re committed to buying locally so that local people benefit – starting with Gippsland, then the rest of Victoria and Australia – and we expect all our contractors to do the same,” Coldham said.
“There are some really exciting opportunities for local businesses to get involved. The steel fabrication work alone is valued at tens of millions of dollars and we know there are several Latrobe Valley businesses who could leverage their current capability to deliver this.
“This showcase puts Gippsland businesses of all types and sizes up in lights on the global stage – it’s just one way to help local businesses connect with the big contractors that will service this industry in a few years’ time.”
Tequa Plumbing and Civil chief executive Trent Fairweather (above centre) added: “Gippsland has a long history in the energy sector, and is at the forefront of this new industry coming to Australia and we have a lot to offer.”
“New work for Tequa and other local businesses means more jobs for locals and more money that stays in the economy”.
Star of the South will present the Showcase to major Australian and global contractors to highlight opportunities to buy local before starting procurement in the coming years, pending project approvals.