Victoria has some of the best offshore wind capability in the country and now the Southern Ocean off Portland has been proposed as Victoria’s second offshore wind declared area – marking the next big step in Victoria’s exciting renewable energy transition.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio today attended the region with Federal Minister for Energy Chris Bowen to announce a 60-day public consultation process to be undertaken before a decision is made by the Australian Government.
The Andrews Labor Government has set ambitious targets for at least 2 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity by 2032, 4GW by 2035 and 9GW by 2040. The industry is expected to create over 6,000 jobs and generate billions in investment.
Offshore Wind Energy Victoria (OWEV) will continue to work with local Traditional Owners to discuss the potential zone and ensure future development of offshore wind in the area is undertaken in genuine partnership.
OWEV will assist the Portland community through the consultation process, making sure it is informed and has every opportunity to participate and influence the location of the final declared area.
The recently announced Victorian Transmission Investment Framework will ensure environmental, land-use, cultural and social factors are considered early in the process to inform locations for new transmission projects across the state, including new transmission that is needed to connect offshore wind farms to Victoria’s grid.
VicGrid is currently undertaking significant community consultation in Gippsland, Victoria’s first designated offshore wind energy zone, and that process will also be followed in the Portland region.
A declared area allows companies to apply for licenses to explore the potential for establishing a project within its boundary. Any proposed projects will undergo rigorous Environmental Effects Statement processes.
To have your say in the process, visit consult.dcceew.gov.au/oei-southern-ocean.
For more information about offshore wind development in Victoria, visit energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/offshore-wind-energy.
As stated by Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio
“We welcome the addition of a second offshore wind zone in Victoria and want to ensure Portland and surrounding communities can harness the benefits of our renewable energy transition.”
“Victoria is blessed with rich renewable sources, including our windy coastlines, this will help us achieve our renewable energy target of 95 per cent by 2035.“
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora
“This is an exciting day for western Victoria as we undergo a once in a generation energy transition – and we’ll be making sure the local community continues to be at the heart of process as consultation unfolds.”
