Climate Council welcomes new offshore wind project

The Australian Government has recently announced a new offshore wind zone along the Hunter region, expected to generate enough power for 4.2 million homes.

Following the announcement of the first offshore wind farm off the coast of Victoria’s Gippsland, the Hunter zone is the second region earmarked in Australia.

The declared area stretches over 1800 km² between Swansea and Port Stephens and could generate up to 5 GW of wind energy.

Construction can only begin after feasibility stage is completed and environmental and management plan approvals are gained.

According to Dr Madeline Taylor, Climate Councillor, energy expert and senior lecturer at Macquarie University, offshore wind will be a key pillar of Australia’s future renewable energy mix.

“We know renewable energy will deeply, permanently and immediately reduce emissions. As one of the windiest places on earth, Australia should be cashing in on those solutions and creating a prosperous and sustainable future,” Taylor said.

Australia has many rich and diverse renewable energy resources. It has the potential to generate up to 5000 GW of electricity from offshore wind using fixed and floating infrastructure.

Amanda McKenzie, Climate Council CEO, said there is a huge opportunity to get more renewables online to slash emissions.

“Wind energy is one of the cheapest ways to add new electricity supply in Australia, especially as power prices continue to bite. Ramping up the renewables rollout will bring us closer to lower power bills and less harmful carbon pollution,” she said.

To become a renewable energy superpower, Australia must maintain this momentum and rapidly phase out fossil fuels.

Further details about the declared wind zone can be found here.

Image credit: iStock.com/TebNad