The Australian government has finalised the granting of a feasibility licence to Novocastrian Wind Pty Ltd for a 2 GW offshore wind project in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of the Hunter region in New South Wales. This decision follows a preliminary offer made last year for the project, which is being developed through a partnership between Equinor and Oceanex Energy. The project has now reached an important milestone in its path towards a detailed feasibility assessment, which could last up to seven years.
Consultations with local stakeholders
Novocastrian Wind will commence the necessary studies to evaluate the viability of the project, which is expected to generate 2 GW of renewable electricity, enough to power over a million homes. This phase will include consultations with local stakeholders, Indigenous communities, and fishing groups. These consultations aim to minimise and offset the impacts on fishing activities while obtaining the necessary environmental approvals and developing a project management plan.
Economic benefits for the Hunter region
The project site will be located at least 22 kilometres offshore from the Hunter coast and could generate hundreds of local jobs. As part of the development, Novocastrian Wind will be required to maximise the use of local supply chains, industries, and workers, in collaboration with a dedicated committee made up of representatives from local and state governments, Indigenous communities, and industry stakeholders.
Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon has hailed the approval as a key step in the development of Australia’s offshore wind industry, particularly in Newcastle, which benefits from world-class port infrastructure and a skilled workforce. She added that the project could spur growth in local manufacturing and vocational training sectors.
Progress in other offshore wind zones
In parallel with this project, progress continues in the Gippsland region, with the “Star of the South” project, the most advanced offshore wind initiative in Australia. This project is collaborating with BlueScope to explore the possibility of using steel produced at Illawarra in the infrastructure required for turbine foundations. Furthermore, the licence holder for the Gippsland zone, Blue Mackerel North Pty Ltd, is making progress in assessing the commercial viability of its own project.
