Gippsland for Australia's first offshore wind priority assessment
The Australian Government has announced Bass Strait off Gippsland as the nation’s first priority area to be assessed for suitability for offshore wind developments. The area has favourable wind conditions, investor interest and has identified grid connection plans.
Backing offshore wind will support Australia towards reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.
The Hon Tim Wilson MP, Assistant Minister to the Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, said the government is implementing Australia’s first Offshore Electricity Infrastructure framework.
‘An offshore electricity industry could create thousands of new jobs and drive the economic growth of our regional and coastal economies,’ the Assistant Minister said.
The announcement is welcomed by Star of the South, a proposed 2 gigawatt wind farm in Bass Strait off the coast of Gippsland. The project has potential to supply power to 1.2 million homes and deliver up to 20% of Victoria’s electricity needs.
The Australian Government released draft regulations for the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure framework for public consultation. Consultation is open until 22 April 2022.
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