Offshore wind energy

Victoria is spearheading Australia’s offshore wind sector

Offshore wind energy is part of our switch to renewables and is vital in Victoria’s renewable energy transition.

Victoria has set ambitious targets of at least 2 GW of offshore generation capacity by 2032, 4 GW by 2035 and 9 GW by 2040.

Implementation Statement 2

Released in March 2023, Offshore Wind Implementation Statement 2 includes the following updates:

Procurement

We’re taking an industry-led approach to delivering the first tranche of offshore wind power.

We will develop the optimal procurement and support package for the first tranche of offshore wind which may include a contract for difference and complementary contributions for capital and financing.

This competitive process will give Victorians the best value for money and enable us to meet our ambitious timelines. It also means the community will benefit through jobs, training and local business development.

Transmission

VicGrid will provide coordinated transmission connection points near the Gippsland Coast and Portland. This will enable around 2- 2.5 GW of capacity in each area, as a starting point.

VicGrid has started community consultation supported by the release of an Offshore Wind Transmission Development and Engagement Roadmap.

Visit Engage Victoria to read the Roadmap and have your say.

Ports

The Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal will be established at the Port of Hastings, which has been chosen as Australia’s first assembly port to support offshore wind.

This is subject to environmental and planning approvals. An extensive consultation process is underway. This will ensure Traditional Owners, the community and stakeholders have their say.

An independent Environment Effects Statement assessment process also needs to occur before the Port is developed.

Policy, workforce, and industry development

We will ensure jobs and businesses benefit from the first tranche of offshore wind power.

This includes through requiring offshore wind projects to consider local capability in their projects. We will support businesses to understand how they can best engage in offshore wind supply chains.

We have begun developing a renewable energy workforce development plan to support the offshore wind sector. This will inform work to help Victorian workers to secure the renewable energy jobs of the future.

We will also be assessing the opportunities to develop a Victorian Renewable Energy Supply Chain Hub. This will support the long-term development of Victorian renewable energy industries, with an initial focus on offshore wind energy.

Legislation and regulation – We will deliver a three-stage, fit-for-purpose regulatory framework with work beginning this year. The framework will reflect global best practice. It will also complement Commonwealth Government legislation.

This framework will establish Victoria as Australia's leading jurisdiction for offshore wind investment. It will also help Victoria make the most of its offshore wind resources. This will benefit Aboriginal Victorians, regional communities and other stakeholders.

Resources

Implementation Statement 1

In October 2022, the Victorian Government released Offshore Wind Implementation Statement 1, outlining the government’s plans for the establishment of an offshore wind industry.

Offshore Wind Implementation Statement 1 includes announcements and the following updates.

Transmission – VicGrid will lead a coordinated approach to transmission to ensure projects have access to the grid.

Ports – The Port of Hastings is likely to be the preferred port to support offshore wind construction, subject to necessary community and industry consultation, and environment and planning approvals.

Offshore Wind Energy Victoria – We will dedicate significant resources to lead the successful establishment of the offshore wind sector.

Local industry – We are placing a significant focus on boosting the capability of local industry.

Legislation and regulation – We are working with the Commonwealth to deliver streamlined regulation and legislation.

Resources

Policy directions paper

The Victorian Offshore Wind Policy Directions Paper outlined Victoria’s vision for offshore wind and was used as the basis for consultation with industry, community and stakeholders between March and August 2022. The consultation from this paper has supported the development of the Offshore Wind Energy Implementation Statements.

Resources

Offshore wind projects

In November 2021, the Victorian Government made Australia's largest single offshore wind announcement.

Three offshore wind projects secured almost $40 million in funding through Round 1 of the Energy Innovation Fund.

1. Seadragon Offshore Wind Farm
2. Great Southern Offshore Wind Farm
3. Star of the South Offshore Wind Project

More information can be found on the Energy Innovation Fund webpage.

Page last updated: 22/05/23