AUSTRALIA is a step closer to becoming an offshore wind superpower, with a landmark new offshore wind announcement touted to bring jobs and economic opportunities, after years of waiting for the door to open on this booming global industry.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen today announced six proposed regions for NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and WA that have world-class offshore wind potential.
Tim Baxter, Climate Council Senior Researcher and energy expert said: “This is an exciting and critical step in realising a cleaner, cheaper, healthier future that is free of coal and gas.
“Just like the new Climate Bill and yesterday’s historic proposed rejection of the Queensland coal mine – this announcement is a symbol of Australia’s climate shift. This is exactly the kind of urgent action we need to reduce pollution this decade.
“While Europe takes great advantage of its offshore wind resources, foot dragging by the previous federal government means Australia – with world class offshore wind resources – still has no industry at all.
“Taking advantage of offshore wind brings many advantages to the grid, further improving the reliability of our power supply. Australians can see the importance of this in the current energy crisis which has been exacerbated by the fleet of failing coal and gas generators.”
Dr Madeline Taylor, Climate Councillor, energy expert and senior lecturer at Macquarie University, School of Law said: “The mapping of offshore wind zones represents an exciting opportunity and important step forward to harness our excellent offshore wind resources. It also provides a positive market signal for industry and communities.
“Australia’s wind resources are among the world’s best, comparable to the North Sea, an area that’s leading the world in offshore wind generation. In fact, if all of our proposed offshore wind farms were built, their combined energy capacity would be greater than all of Australia’s coal-fired power stations.”
The Climate Council recommends the Albanese Government build on its climate agenda to deliver deeper emissions cuts by 2030 by:
- Speeding up the transformation of our energy system to renewable power.
- Ending all government support for fossil fuel expansion.
- Focusing on electrification and energy efficiency.
- Growing good jobs by giving a major boost to clean manufacturing.
- Ending land clearing and accelerating efforts to restore degraded land and forests.
- Strengthening the laws and agencies that underpin Australia’s transition to a zero emission economy.