Australia seeks to pave the way for offshore wind farms

MELBOURNE, Sept. 2 (Reuters) – Australia’s conservative government on Thursday introduced legislation that could help pave the way for offshore wind farms in a country seen as having enormous potential for offshore renewable energy.

The long-awaited legislation will establish a framework for the construction, operation, maintenance and dismantling of offshore power projects, including wind generation and transmission cables, with environmental and financial guarantees.

“An offshore electricity industry in Australia will further strengthen our economy, create jobs and opportunities for Australians and improve the delivery of affordable and reliable energy,” Energy Minister Angus Taylor said in a statement.

Projects that could move forward if the legislation is passed, as planned, include the Star of the South wind project off the coast of Victoria, the Marinus Link transmission line from Tasmania to Victoria and Sun Cable, which plans to provide electricity. solar energy from the Northern Territory. in Singapore.

“This legislation is a key step in realizing Australia’s offshore wind potential and unlocking the associated economic benefits, including providing opportunities for the country’s strong resources and maritime sectors,” said the chief executive of Star of the South, Casper Frost Thorhauge, in a statement.

There are more than 10 proposed offshore wind projects with a combined capacity of over 25 gigawatts (GW), according to a recent government research report, adding that with a coastline of nearly 60,000 km (37,283 miles) with “Very high wind resources”, it made sense to consider the development of an offshore wind industry.

Onshore wind farms with a combined capacity of 7.4 GW provided nearly 10% of Australia’s electricity in 2020, and 21 more onshore wind farms with a total capacity of 4 GW are expected to begin construction.

The legislation enjoys broad support from the opposition Labor Party, unions and environmental groups, unlike most of the government’s other energy proposals, which are seen as supporting gas and coal at the expense of energies. renewable.

“Australia’s wind capacity has been compared to that of the North Sea, a region that leads the world in offshore wind production. Investing and developing this industry is obvious to Australia, but it must be done correctly, ”said the spokesperson for the Climate Council. Madeline Taylor.

Report by Sonali Paul

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