Star of the South takes major leap forward

Star of South marine survey underway off the ninety mile beach

AUSTRALIA’S most advanced offshore wind project Star of the South is charging ahead, recently achieving four major milestones and driving the next stages of development to unlock a new wave of clean energy.

In a first for Australia, Star of the South has lodged its Environmental Impact Statement for approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.

This is the primary environmental approval required for the project to proceed.

This comes off the back of executing a major land purchase where the project’s cables will come to shore, securing renewed Major Project Status with the Commonwealth Government, and formally entering into an Engagement Agreement with the Traditional Owners through the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC).

The environmental approval submission follows seven years of technical and environmental studies, including a world-class marine survey program. It draws on 26 technical studies examining potential effects of the project on environmental, cultural, social and economic values.

Star of the South CEO Charles Rattray said the assessment is the most comprehensive ever undertaken for an energy project in Australia.

“This environmental assessment reflects seven years of rigorous science and consultation to understand the local environment and how to protect it. We’ve done the work, and then some, to ensure government and the community can have confidence that the project will be delivered responsibly,” he said.

In a separate milestone, Star of the South has purchased 120 hectares of farmland on Gippsland’s coast near Reeves Beach.

This site is where underground cables will come to shore, bringing the electricity generated out at sea into the grid.

“Securing the shore crossing site locks in a critical piece of the project’s infrastructure and reinforces our long-term commitment to Gippsland,” Mr Rattray said.

“This is a huge step forward, recognising the positive relationships we’ve built with landholders over time, which we’ll continue to prioritise through the next steps of development.” 

Last month, the Australian Government renewed Major Project Status for Star of the South, recognising its potential contribution to Australia’s clean energy needs. The decision means the project will continue to receive tailored support from the Major Projects Facilitation Agency for another three years, including assistance navigating regulatory approvals.

“These milestones show that Australia’s offshore wind industry is no longer an idea on the horizon – it’s moving from concept to reality and Star of the South is leading the way. We’re getting on with Australia’s first offshore wind project to power more than 1.2 million homes and deliver 10 per cent of the emission reductions needed to reach Australia’s 2035 climate target” Mr Rattray said.

“No matter which way you look at it, any realistic scenario for a secure, reliable energy future has offshore wind in the mix.”

The recent developments mark a significant step forward for Star of the South, which aims to play a leading role in Australia’s energy future and support economic opportunities in Gippsland, where the retirement of traditional industries like coal power generation, oil and gas exploration and forestry are impacting local jobs and the economy.

“We have backed Gippsland from the very beginning – this region is at the heart of Australia’s energy history and its future. We are ready to turn years of local effort into real jobs, investment and energy security,” Mr Rattray said.

Star of the South is an up to 2.2 GW offshore wind energy project with the potential to power 1.2 million homes across 30 years of operations, directly invest $7 billion into the Australian economy and create 6,000 Australian jobs over the project’s life.

The project has been under development since 2017. It was granted an Exploration Licence in 2019 and a Feasibility Licence in 2024 to explore the potential for offshore wind in Bass Strait off the Gippsland coast. All initial feasibility studies have been completed, confirming that Star of the South is suitably located, technically feasible and able to make a significant contribution to energy supply and emissions reduction.

Completed feasibility studies include wind resource monitoring between 2019 and 2022, geophysical seabed surveys in 2020, geotechnical seabed surveys in 2023 and marine and land-based environment and cultural heritage surveys between 2020 and 2024. Star of the South has also undertaken detailed supply chain and workforce studies and extensive community consultation.

If successful in securing all necessary approvals, construction is targeted later this decade to support the National Electricity Market and Victoria’s energy transition with the closure of Yallourn Power Station scheduled for 2028 and Loy Yang A for 2035.