A more than 7,000 square-kilometre area of the Bass Strait has been declared as an offshore wind zone by the Australian Government.
The zone, located 30 kilometres off Tasmania’s northern coast, has the potential to support up to 20 gigawatts of “round-the-clock” renewable energy.
Initially planned a larger 10,136 square kilometre zone, it was reduced in size after 270 submissions from concerned local leaders, industry groups, fishers, unions and community groups were received.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the zone has the potential to generate enough renewable energy to power more than half of south-east Australia.
“Tasmania is already an energy powerhouse, running on 100% renewables,” he said.
“But the power of offshore wind could see the state produce and export even more clean and reliable energy.”
According to the government, one rotation of a single offshore wind turbine generates as much energy as an average rooftop solar installation does in a day.
“The Bass Strait has truly world-class wind resources, with sustained wind speeds of more than 8 metres per second,” Bowen said.
It is estimated that the new industry could create up to 12,000 jobs in construction and a further 6,000 ongoing roles.
Offshore wind developers can now apply for feasibility licenses, which will be awarded to those that can demonstrate their project will deliver the most benefits for Tasmania and Australia’s energy security.
Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan said the state has some of the best wind resources in the world.
“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.
