The Federal Government is rolling out its Reliable Renewables Plan, with the next steps announced for the Southern Ocean offshore wind zone.
Spinifex Offshore Wind Farm has been preliminarily offered a feasibility licence for a potential offshore wind farm to be developed off the coast between Port Fairy and Warrnambool by Alinta Energy and Parkwind, which is part of JERA Nex.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen visited Portland last week to announce that, should the project go ahead, it could generate 1.2GW of electricity, enough to supply around 10% of Victoria’s current electricity needs – equivalent to 650,000 Victorian homes.
“The project will create hundreds of jobs during construction and operation as well as injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into south west Victoria’s economy,” Minister Bowen said.
“This industry could support future onshore manufacturing for Victoria, as it builds on the local industrial expertise and infrastructure in Portland and surrounds.
“To maximise the proposed project’s potential economic and social benefits for the region, workers, and local supply chains, the government will convene a Southern Ocean Wind Industry Committee, bringing together the licence holder, state and local governments, First Nations groups, local industry and workers’ representatives.
“Consistent with the government’s approach on establishing an offshore wind industry, the Committee will work to maximise local content, as well as broader local benefits, delivering benefits for workers, local industry and the regional economy.”
Minister Bowen said Spinifex would also have a community benefit sharing program and have already identified local businesses and industry that can be part of the project.
The Minister will now undertake further consultation with First Nations groups before making a final decision on the feasibility licence.
“Consultation with First Nations groups, local communities, unions and marine users will continue throughout the feasibility licence process to ensure any planned offshore wind farm benefits the community and the region,” he said.
“If feasibility for the Spinifex Offshore project is proven, the developer must obtain all necessary approvals, including rigorous environmental assessments, before applying for a commercial licence which would enable construction to commence.
“Offshore wind represents a huge opportunity for regional Australia, providing reliable renewables to power homes and heavy industry while creating highly skilled and well-paid jobs now and into the future.”
Victorian Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio echoed her Federal counterpart’s sentiments.
“Victoria has world-class offshore wind resources and we look forward to Spinifex harnessing that to create reliable renewable energy for our homes and businesses and to share the benefits of this with the local community through jobs, local supply chains and community benefit sharing program,” she said.
“This is another step closer to delivering our target of at least 2 GW of offshore wind energy by 2032 and will also help us get to net zero by 2045.
“Offshore wind will create real benefits for Victoria and Australia’s renewable energy production – creating hundreds of jobs, support for our key industries and reliable renewable energy as coal-fired power plants close.”
