The Federal Government is advancing the Hunter offshore wind zone, a move that could bolster energy security and job creation in a region that has long powered Australia.
This initiative is set to provide reliable renewable energy to power homes and heavy industry, while creating numerous high-skilled jobs.
Equinor and Oceanex have been preliminarily offered a feasibility licence for the potential Novocastrian Wind project.
If approved, the project could employ around 3000 workers during construction and create 200–300 permanent local jobs. It could also generate over 2 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, enough to power 1.2 million homes or two Tomago smelters.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen will conduct further consultation with applicants and First Nations groups before a final decision is made.
According to the Government, offshore wind projects will be required to maximise their use of Australian supply chains and closely consult with local industry and workers to ensure local benefits.
The Minister also announced that he expects recreational fishers will be able to travel and fish within the offshore wind zone, a practice already in place in the UK and Denmark.
If feasibility for the Novocastrian Wind project is proven, the developer can then apply for a commercial licence to build an offshore wind project to generate electricity commercially.
Bowen said the shortlisted project did the most to support the Hunter’s industries and communities while protecting the environment and sharing the ocean.
“The Hunter has been an industrial and economic powerhouse for generations, and my decision today is a big step towards providing that powerhouse with reliable renewables,” Bowen said.
“The project I’ve shortlisted offers the biggest rewards for the Hunter and Australia – supporting our workforce and energy security, protecting our environment and sharing our marine space with the people and industries who rely on it today.”
For more renewable and solar news, subscribe to ecogeneration.