The Australian Government has designated an area in the Pacific Ocean off the Illawarra, New South Wales (NSW), between Wombarra and Kiama for the development of offshore renewable energy, such as offshore wind. The declared area has the potential to generate up to 2.9GW of renewable wind energy.
In response to feedback, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy has declared a smaller area than originally proposed. Located 20 kilometres offshore to minimise visual impacts, the area is 10 kilometres further out than initially planned. It also allows space for the safe management of shipping to and from Port Kembla and avoids significant environmental areas, including marine parks, a biologically important area for the Little Penguin, the Shelf Rocky Reef key ecological feature, and the Southern Right Whale migration and reproduction area.
Interested companies will need to apply for a feasibility licence between 17 June and 15 August 2024. Companies are expected to maximise local content and demonstrate their contribution to local and Australian communities by using Australian goods and services.
