Australia greenlights offshore wind feasibility licences

Australia has approved on Wednesday six projects to explore the potential of constructing offshore wind farms along its southern coast as part of its commitment to increase renewable energy and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, according to Reuters.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced that six additional projects could also receive feasibility licenses pending consultations with Indigenous groups.

The twelve projects, including proposals from wind power leaders Orsted and Iberdrola, could generate a combined 25 gigawatts (GW) of power, exceeding Victoria’s current capacity and aiding in the transition away from coal-fired power.

The feasibility licenses will enable environmental and geotechnical assessments in the proposed wind farm zone on the Gippsland coast. If feasibility is confirmed, developers can apply for a commercial license to construct an offshore wind project.

Two of the feasibility licenses were awarded to projects backed by global fund manager Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, including the long-planned A$9 billion ($6 billion) Star of the South wind farm.

The Labour government has been actively promoting clean energy projects, pledging over A$40 billion to new wind, solar, and battery projects since 2022.