Victoria has taken a key step towards establishing Australia’s first offshore wind sector, releasing its fourth Offshore Wind Energy Implementation Statement (IS4) and opening a new phase of industry engagement.
State Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio outlined the roadmap to deliver the state’s first 2 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity by 2032.
The plan is part of Victoria’s broader legislated targets to reach 4GW by 2035 and 9GW by 2040.
Following a confidential registration of interest (ROI) process that opened in March for holders of offshore wind feasibility licences, the State Government confirmed that the request for proposal (RFP) phase will begin in September 2025. Contracts are expected to be awarded by October 2026.
The projects will be supported by a contract-for-difference model, designed to offer revenue certainty for investors.
An additional availability payment will apply once the infrastructure is generating electricity, aligning payments with system reliability and energy delivery.
The State Government also confirmed a local content requirement for the operations and maintenance phase of the first tranche of projects.
From 2032 onwards, at least 80 per cent of operations and maintenance work must be sourced locally. Ten per cent of all labour hours during this phase must also be fulfilled by apprentices, trainees, or cadets.
To build a pipeline of skilled workers for the sector, the government will offer up to $4.9 million in grants to establish a Wind Worker Training Centre. Applications for the funding are expected to open soon.
“Victoria’s offshore wind industry will provide jobs and career pathways for thousands of workers and boost local businesses through manufacturing and supply chain development,” D’Ambrosio said.
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