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New Energy World
New Energy World embraces the whole energy industry as it connects and converges to address the decarbonisation challenge. It covers progress being made across the industry, from the dynamics under way to reduce emissions in oil and gas, through improvements to the efficiency of energy conversion and use, to cutting-edge initiatives in renewable and low carbon technologies.
Australia declares new offshore wind zone in Southern Ocean
13/3/2024
The Australian government has officially declared an offshore wind zone in the Southern Ocean off western Victoria, but has significantly cut the originally proposed area.
After consultation with local leaders, industry and community groups, the final area is 1,030 km2 – one fifth of the originally proposed zone and no longer includes an area off South Australia, the state which borders Victoria to the west.
The agreed zone is located at least 15–20 km from Victoria’s coast, and works around the Bonney Upwelling, Deen Maar Island and shipping routes, taking into account the environmental, cultural heritage and economic significance of these areas.
It could generate up to 2.9 GW of offshore wind energy. According to the government, its development will create 1,740 construction jobs and open 870 ongoing operation positions.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said: ‘Australia has abundant renewable energy, the cheapest form of energy, and the government is committed to helping Australians benefit from these natural resources, including offshore wind.’
Victoria’s Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio added: ‘This is another step closer to delivering our target of at least 2 GW of offshore wind energy by 2032 and will also help us get to net zero by 2045.’
Australia has already officially declared two offshore wind zones for large-scale deployment – in the Bass Strait off Victoria’s Gippsland coast and an area in the Pacific Ocean off the Hunter region in New South Wales.
- To find out more about Australia’s energy transition, visit the Energy Institute Statistical Review Country Transition Tracker.
- Read more on what’s driving Australia’s switch from coal addiction to renewables.
