A major milestone has been achieved in the development of Australia’s first offshore wind farm with the first investigation to test seabed conditions off the Gippsland, Victoria coast for the wind energy project – the first-ever marine geotechnical campaign in Australia.
The Star of the South Offshore Wind Project is a landmark project supporting Victoria’s transition to a clean energy future, and a welcome addition to the state’s thriving renewable energy industry with The Victorian Government’s Energy Innovation Fund contributed $19.5 million to the pre-construction work.
A specialist vessel and crew will spend five weeks at sea collecting soil and rock samples from up to 70 metres beneath the seafloor, with the findings to help design the proposed offshore wind energy farm to suit local seabed conditions.
The study will also collect samples from 22 different locations within the project’s 2019 Exploration Licence area.
Not only will Victoria be home to Australia’s first offshore wind farm but it’s also leading the nation with its offshore wind energy target of zero emissions by 2045 with at least 2 gigawatts of capacity by 2032, 4 gigawatts by 2035 and 9 gigawatts by 2040.
This transition from coal to more affordable and reliable renewables is expected to generate $9.5 billion in economic development and create up to 59,000 new jobs.
A series of Offshore Wind Implementation Statements will be released to support and guide the industry and the Victorian community on the development of the offshore wind sector.
Offshore Wind Energy Victoria (OWEV) is designing a comprehensive support package that will provide the certainty required for project developers and financiers to deliver offshore wind projects in Victoria.
The creation of Australia’s first offshore wind farm in Victoria means the state is well on its way to achieving its emissions reduction targets and making it an ideal destination for investors.
For more information on the Energy Innovation Fund go to: https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/grants/energy-innovation-fund
Learn about the opportunities in Victoria’s clean energy sector.
