Offshore wind delay

The Victorian Governments auction auction process which would have allowed developers planning offshore wind projects to bid for government support, expected later this month has now been delayed.

In announcing the delay, Victorian Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio said offshore wind was critical to Australia's energy security and Victoria was working with the federal government on the timing of the auction. 

"As the global market for offshore wind investment changes, we're making sure the auction is competitive and attractive and will release a new timeline for this process later this year," Ms D'Ambrosio said.

statement from southerly Ten: Star of South

Charles Rattray, CEO Southerly Ten, which is Gippsland most advanced offshore wind project issued a statement following the Victorian Government announcement : “Southerly Ten acknowledges the Victorian Government’s announcement that it has deferred a decision about starting Australia’s first offshore wind auction until later this year. While this is disappointing, it does not change the reality that offshore wind is essential to Australia’s energy future. With 90 percent of coal-fired capacity forecast to retire by 2035, offshore wind energy is needed to ensure energy security, price stability and a pathway to net zero. Gippsland has powered Victoria for over a century – and it can continue to do so with offshore wind. With consistent winds, existing port and grid infrastructure to tap into, and a skilled energy workforce, Gippsland is uniquely positioned to deliver Australia’s first offshore wind project. A successful first project in Gippsland won’t just deliver much-needed new capacity, cut emissions and create regional jobs – it will pave the way for a national offshore wind industry. Today at the APAC Wind Energy Summit in Melbourne, we heard Minister D’Ambrosio reaffirm Victoria’s commitment to offshore wind as a cornerstone of the state’s energy plan. With seven years of development work behind us on Star of the South, we know Gippsland has some of the world’s best offshore wind conditions – we are ready to deliver and harness this untapped resource for Australia. We will continue to engage constructively with government, industry partners and communities to unlock the full potential of offshore wind for Australia.”