Victoria has formally become the first sub-national member of the Global Offshore Wind Alliance, a group of international governments, private sector, and other stakeholders accelerating the deployment of offshore wind power.
Victoria has joined the Global Offshore Wind Alliance with Denmark, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The Alliance aims to develop a total worldwide offshore wind capacity of at least 380 GW by 2030, with an average of 35 GW per year throughout the 2020s and a minimum of 70 GW per year beginning in 2030.
“Victoria’s successful application to join the Global Offshore Wind Alliance solidifies our abundant offshore wind resources as among the best internationally, with our ambitious targets attracting major investment, jobs and solidifying Victoria’s future as Australia’s offshore wind capital,” Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’ambrosio said.
According to the Victorian Government, Australia has the second-largest offshore wind pipeline in the Asia-Pacific area, after China.
The State Government said the winds along Victoria’s coasts can foster a promising emerging sector, generating over 6,000 jobs and contributing to Australia’s goal of 95% renewable energy production by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2045.
The State’s ambitious offshore wind capacity targets, aiming for 2 GW by 2032, 4 GW by 2035, and 9 GW by 2040, have attracted global investment and set Victoria as Australia’s first offshore wind generation hub, the Andrews Government added.
Last year, the Australian Government classified an area in Bass Strait off the coast of Gippsland as Australia’s first offshore wind zone and is seeking feasibility licences for potential developers. The successful applications are expected to be announced later this year.
Victoria’s offshore wind growth is bolstered by its skilled workforce, advanced manufacturing, established supply chains, and world-class infrastructure, including ports.
The Victorian Budget 2023/24 included a $27 million investment to progress the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal at the Port of Hastings. The terminal will accommodate up to 1 GW of wind construction per year, process turbines up to 18 megawatts, and service numerous offshore wind ventures concurrently.
The State Government has also established Offshore Wind Energy Victoria, aiming for a competitive procurement process for the first offshore wind energy capacity in 2025.
