The Federal Government has awarded a feasibility licence to the Origin x RES joint venture for their offshore wind project in Victoria’s Gippsland.
The Navigator North project, located approximately 34km from shore and covering 700 square kilometers, has the potential to generate 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of power.
According to Origin, the project is expected to create approximately 1400 jobs during its design and construction phase, with an additional 60 long-term positions over its 30-year operational life.
Greg Jarvis, Origin’s head of energy supply and operations, said the energy company is pleased to have been awarded a feasibility licence for the Navigator North offshore wind project.
“It is testimony to the strengths and capabilities of our joint venture, and the commitments expressed in our application,” he said.
“Origin is the nation’s largest energy retailer with 4.7 million customer accounts, owns a suite of generation assets across Australia’s East Coast, and has deep expertise right across the Australian energy and policy landscape. RES brings extensive global experience across the full lifecycle of offshore and onshore wind farms and other renewable energy technologies.
“Together, we will look to develop a competitive wind project that we believe could provide material renewable supply to the energy market. We will place local communities and workforces at the heart of any potential Navigator North development and future operations.”
Origin x RES has committed to working closely with local communities, governments, and other stakeholders to address potential cumulative impacts and explore opportunities for shared infrastructure.
The joint venture also plans to establish community engagement initiatives, including a community benefit fund, a neighbourhood benefits sharing scheme, and a local energy discount program, should the project advance to construction and operation phases.
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