Posted on December 17, 2024
The Australian government has declared another zone for the development of offshore windfarms, in the Bass Strait in northern Tasmania.
The Bass Strait is the sixth area declared suitable for offshore wind development, following areas declared in Gippsland, Victoria; Hunter, New South Wales; Southern Ocean, Victoria; Illawarra, New South Wales; and the Indian Ocean off Bunbury, Western Australia.
The Bass Strait zone, declared on 12 December 2024, could support up to 20 GW of renewable energy – more than half of the current electricity demand across southeast Australia.
In response to feedback from local leaders, industry, fishers, unions, First Nations people and community groups, the declared Bass Strait zone is smaller and further from shore.
It now sits at least 30 km off Tasmania’s north coast and spans 7,100 km2 – reduced by about 30% of the original proposal. It also includes a carve out for a shipping lane.
Offshore wind developers can apply for feasibility licences now until 12 March 2025, which allow them to assess the feasibility of offshore wind projects in the declared Bass Strait zone.
Feasibility licences will only be awarded to developers that prove their project will deliver the most for Tasmania, its workforce and for Australia’s energy security.
Developers must also adhere to stringent requirements for environmental stewardship and community involvement and commit to sharing the marine space with existing users.
The Commonwealth will require project proponents to demonstrate their commitment to Australian manufactured inputs, local suppliers and benefits to the local economy, to inform the merits of feasibility licence applications.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said, “Tasmania is already an energy powerhouse – running on 100% renewables – but the power of offshore wind could see the state produce and export even more clean and reliable energy.
“The Bass Strait has truly world-class wind resources, with sustained wind speeds of more than 8 m per second. Harnessing this power and capitalising on Tasmania’s highly skilled workforce with decades of experience in engineering, logistics and infrastructure can provide energy security for Australian homes and businesses, future proof existing industry and power new green energy industries.”
Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan said he welcomed the offshore wind zone in commonwealth waters off the coast of northern Tasmania.
“Tasmania has some of the best wind resources in the world. Bass Strait has been named as one of the top options for offshore wind energy generation in the country by the Australian Energy Market Operator.
“An offshore wind industry can help our state maximise its potential as a green energy powerhouse, creating thousands of new jobs and cleaner, cheaper energy and contributing toward our nation leading 200% by 2040 Renewable Energy Target,” he said.
“Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is all about bringing on new energy generation to support the needs of Tasmanians, our growing economy, and the decarbonisation of our existing and future industries, including hydrogen. This zone will give proponents and investors confidence to progress Tasmanian projects.”
In a related development, Australia’s Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Amendment Regulations have been agreed. The regulations set out the offshore renewables regulatory regime in Australia and enable the Offshore Infrastructure Regulator to start regulating offshore activities.
The amended regulations set out requirements for management plans, consultation, design notifications, safety and protection zones and financial security.
