The Australian offshore wind taskforce has convened for an inaugural in-person meeting in Melbourne, discussing substantial decarbonisation and economic opportunities.
The taskforce was established in response to industry identifying the need for a coordinated and collaborative approach towards the substantial decarbonisation and economic opportunities that offshore wind presents in Australia.
Chaired by the Clean Energy Council, the taskforce includes senior representatives from State and Federal Governments, developers with announced offshore wind projects in Australia, the Offshore Infrastructure Regulator, the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator, and the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner.
Clean energy council director of Offshore Wind, Morgan Rossiter said, “The opportunities for offshore wind energy is immense, and it is critical that our resolve to deliver this critical aspect of Australia’s clean energy transformation is equally as strong.”
Two key priorities identified by participants include establishing a clear structure and implementation pathway for a national coordination body, as well as exploring the role of a national offshore wind target or strategic ambition to strengthen and support the delivery of generation infrastructure.
“Through greater coordination and collaboration between industry and government, we can increase investor confidence, boost long term employment, strengthen supply chains, reduce environmental impacts and empower communities. This will reduce the risks of costs and delays, and increase the share of clean, reliable and affordable offshore electricity being delivered into our grid, sooner,” said Rossiter.
The Taskforce will meet four more times throughout 2024, before delivering two position papers in December speaking to the outlined priorities.