Offshore Wind Power Developments in Australia
Gippsland Dawn Offshore Wind Project
The purpose of the feasibility permits is to develop projects off Victoria’s Gippsland Coast. The Australian Government has granted a feasibility licence to BlueFloat Energy’s Gippsland Dawn Offshore Wind Project, allowing it to move forward with its development plans. The site could be operational by 2031 and has a potential output of up to 2.1GW, or more than a million homes.
“We are now entering the Australian offshore wind market and will bring our more than 20 years of experience in this field after securing exclusive seabed rights in the Bass Strait off Gippsland. Gippsland Dawn will bring strong and lasting benefits to Gippsland and Australia,” stated Darragh White, project director for Gippsland Dawn.
The project is expected to generate 2000 jobs during construction and 200–300 jobs during the operations and maintenance phases, with an operational lifespan of up to 30 years. “We will work closely with commercial and recreational fishers and boaters to understand how we can share the ocean,” says Minister Chris Bowen, Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio, GLaWAC, local communities, unions, and the energy industry in Victoria.
Before the project can begin construction, a commercial license is needed. Getting grid connection and receiving a number of environmental and planning permissions are prerequisites for this.
Great Eastern Offshore Wind Project
A feasibility license for Corio Generation‘s 2.5GW Great Eastern Offshore Wind project, which is situated in the Gippsland offshore wind zone off the coast of Victoria, was also granted. The fixed-bottom wind project will support state and federal initiatives to lower our carbon emissions while accelerating Australia’s offshore wind industry. The project is anticipated to begin operations in 2032 and continue for more than 30 years after that.
Navigator North Offshore Wind Project
The Navigator North project, a collaboration between RES and Origin, an Australian integrated energy company, has also been granted a license. The 700 square kilometer Navigator North project is located about 34 kilometers off the coast and is expected to potentially add 1.5GW of installed capacity to the NEM, as well as generate 1,400 new jobs during the design and construction phase and an additional 60 jobs during the project’s 30-year operational life.
“We are pleased to have been awarded a feasibility licence for the Navigator North offshore wind project, which is testimony to the strengths and capabilities of our joint venture, and the commitments expressed in our application,” stated Greg Jarvis, head of energy supply and operations at Origin.
These offshore wind projects in Australia’s Gippsland region are expected to bring significant economic and environmental benefits, contributing to the country’s renewable energy targets and job creation.
