Offshore wind power is being touted by Australia's federal government as one of the ways they'll ensure the lights stay on and emissions targets are met as coal fired power stations are taken offline. 

Consequently, the sector is growing rapidly, as was shown at the recent Australia Wind Energy 2024 exhibition and conference held in Melbourne, which - while by no means solely devoted to offshore developments - was a clear illustration of the interest in this new sector.

Over the last few months, announcements have periodically come out from the Federal Government about a new area of the sea ripe for development or having been approved as being ripe for development. Or indeed a consultation to test and judge that all important ripeness.

But precious little's happening in the water itself, which begs the question - in this complicated regulatory, governmental and industry eco-system - where is Australia in the race to tap into the power of its considerable southern winds?

 

Support from the corridors of power

Energy minister Chris Bowen is clearly a fan (no pun intended).

Unlocking the offshore wind industry is an exciting new chapter for Australia and we want to build a platform of community collaboration and support around it. 

 

When he announced the six regions for consideration in 2022 he said: "The world's climate emergency is Australia's regional jobs opportunity and offshore wind is just one example.

"Unlocking the offshore wind industry is an exciting new chapter for Australia and we want to build a platform of community collaboration and support around it. 

"We have some of the best wind resources in the world - just one rotation of one offshore wind turbine provides as much energy as an average rooftop solar installation generates in one day.

"This new industry will provide opportunities to reduce emissions and fast track job and economic development opportunities for regional Australia particularly in clean energy generation and manufacturing. 

"Many other countries have been successfully harvesting offshore wind energy for years, and now is the time for Australia to start the journey to firmly establish this reliable and significant form of renewable energy."

New sector, new jobs

Advocates, including Bowen, say a new offshore wind industry can present an opportunity to boost Australian supply chains, local economies and job prospects.

To date, the government have announced four regions as confirmed suitable for development as an offshore windfarm and two more regions are still under consideration. 

All six regions have the potential to deliver 25,000 ongoing jobs in addition to the construction labour force that would be needed.

For more analysis on where Australia is in its journey to establishing an offshore wind energy sector, click here.