Ørsted, a global leader in renewable energy, received significant approvals from the Australian Government to proceed with ambitious offshore wind endeavors. The government granted a feasibility license for Ørsted’s inaugural offshore wind project in Australia, with plans underway to greenlight a second project, pending consultation. These developments mark a pivotal step in Australia’s renewable energy landscape, with Ørsted poised to spearhead large-scale offshore wind farms off the coast of Gippsland, Victoria, slated for operation in the early 2030s.
The obtained licenses afford Ørsted exclusive rights to develop the two offshore wind sites, strategically located 56-100 km off the coast of Gippsland, Victoria. Positioned beyond the visible horizon from the shore, these sites benefit from optimal wind conditions, making them prime locations for sustainable energy generation.
Looking ahead, Ørsted’s agenda includes comprehensive site investigations, environmental assessments, and supply chain establishment. These crucial preparatory phases pave the way for Ørsted to participate in future auctions administered by the Victorian Government, aligning with the state’s ambitious target of achieving 9 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2040. The inaugural auction is slated to commence in late 2025.
Pending successful execution of the outlined steps and a final investment decision, the projects are slated for phased completion starting in the early 2030s. Leveraging synergies between the dual sites and capitalizing on shared resources, Ørsted anticipates maximizing operational efficiency and economies of scale.
The envisioned cluster boasts a combined renewable energy capacity of 4.8 GW, poised to power approximately four million Australian households. Per Mejnert Kristensen, Senior Vice President and CEO of Region APAC at Ørsted, expressed confidence in the projects’ potential to deliver reliable, cost-effective renewable energy solutions while fostering long-term socioeconomic and environmental benefits for Gippsland and beyond.
Furthermore, Ørsted’s commitment extends beyond energy generation to nurturing local talent and fostering community engagement. The projects are expected to generate employment opportunities, with a focus on facilitating knowledge and skills transfer programs to empower local communities.
Central to Ørsted’s ethos is upholding the highest standards of environmental stewardship and community consultation, including meaningful engagement with Traditional Owners throughout the development process.
Notable details about Ørsted’s Gippsland offshore wind sites include their respective potential capacities, locations, water depths, site sizes, and anticipated completion timelines.
In acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land, Ørsted pays tribute to the Gunaikurnai people, recognizing their enduring connection to the land, water, and sky. By fostering an authentic relationship with the Elders past and present, Ørsted endeavors to honor and uphold the rich cultural heritage of the Gunaikurnai people while advancing sustainable energy initiatives.
