Rewiring Australia has welcomed the federal government’s move to boost offshore wind development through proposed new guidelines for research and demonstration licenses.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced the plans, saying the updated licenses would encourage scientists, researchers and industry players to trial new wind technologies across Australia’s six declared offshore wind zones, including the Hunter region in New South Wales.
Rewiring Australia’s founder and chief scientist Dr Saul Griffith said the proposal would give the country a stronger footing in renewable energy innovation.
“The development and testing of this kind of technology is critical if we are going to get the most out of it in Australia. We need to encourage investment and innovation and this is one important way to do that,” Griffith said.
The government said projects under the new licensing arrangements could include monitoring technologies to assess offshore wind feasibility or demonstration projects to test new systems.
The changes are also expected to reduce the cost of initial research licenses, making early-stage projects more financially viable while de-risking larger investments.
Griffith said Australia’s geography and population made offshore wind a practical addition to the renewable energy mix.
“Australia is in a unique position; we not only have abundant sun to support solar, but with the sixth longest coastline in the world and 85 per cent of our population within 50 kilometres of that coast, we’re well placed to scale up our offshore wind capabilities,” he said.
He added that diversifying renewable sources would help households by reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
“A diverse mix of renewable energy will make Australia less reliant on imported fuels and expensive and aging fossil fuel plants. Harnessing the strong winds out to sea will help deliver clean energy around the clock, and help us close down our expensive, ageing coal power stations on time, which is good for the energy bills of all Australian households,” Griffith said.
The federal government said it will seek feedback on the proposed guidelines until 3 October. Griffith said the framework could help position the country as a leader in the global energy shift.
“I commend the federal government for opening up the gates to crucial investments in offshore wind technologies with this license proposal. With the right framework to get this industry established, Australia can be a leader in this global energy opportunity,” he said.
