Offshore wind in Australia
Why offshore wind?
Global momentum for a transition to clean energy is building. A scalable solution to the challenge of future energy supply, offshore wind is emerging as a key pillar in a future renewable energy world.
Technological developments in floating offshore wind turbines now allow access to high-quality deeper water sites that were previously inaccessible, while ongoing turbine size expansion means offshore wind can upscale rapidly, reducing the need for lengthy and complex investments in onshore transmission and delivering a lower cost of energy.
Given the scale it can provide, offshore wind is projected to be a key pillar in the clean energy transition in coming decades.
Benefits of offshore wind
Draws on an abundant, clean natural resource
Strengthens electricity security
Avoids competing land use
Upscales rapidly
Creates job opportunities
Invests in and contributes to local economies
Accelerates other emerging industries
Helps meet government decarbonisation targets
Why Australia?
Australia has a high-quality offshore wind resource in multiple locations that provide an important energy resource diversification from solar and onshore wind.
As pointed out in a 2021 report by the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre, Australia’s offshore wind resources are comparable to overseas locations such as the North Sea, where offshore wind is an established industry. By unlocking this potential locally, Australia can build a diverse and sustainable energy supply, delivering positive social and economic outcomes.
We are committed – both personally and professionally – to a just and sustainable transition for Australia’s energy sector.
Offshore wind energy as an industry holds significant employment potential and in addition to creating hundreds of permanent jobs in local communities, can play an important role in a just transition for Australia’s coal, oil and gas workers. As coal plants close and the energy transition accelerates, offshore wind is emerging as a socially and environmentally sustainable solution to Australia’s climate and energy needs.
Benefits to Australia
Environmental
As the world strives to reach the Paris Agreement’s goal of net zero by 2050, offshore wind is emerging as a key pillar in the clean energy transition.
Social
Offshore wind will provide a range of job opportunities throughout the project lifecycle and supply chain, benefitting local communities and contributing to a just transition for workers.
Economic
As in other countries such as Denmark, offshore wind has the potential to become a major energy industry player and economic contributor in Australia.