The Star of the South, Australia's first offshore wind project, has been under development since 2019. Over this period, the project has gathered a large amount of scientific data, taken into account local feedback, and adapted to changes in industry standards and government regulations. This process has allowed the team to refine the project and make several key adjustments based on new information.
One of the updates is a reduction in the number of turbines from 200 to 150. This change reflects advancements in turbine technology, which allows for the same energy output with fewer turbines.
The positioning of the turbines has also been adjusted to avoid high-profile reefs, helping to protect marine habitats. Additionally, the gap between the ocean and the turbine blades has been increased from 25 metres to 35 metres. This change is based on bird flight height data, providing a safer zone for seabirds to fly and forage.
To address concerns about marine life, especially whales, the project team is exploring technologies to reduce underwater construction noise. These measures aim to ensure the protection of marine mammals during the project’s construction phase.
The project will also use a ‘no trench’ method for the cables coming ashore, which will help protect the beach and dunes in the area. Additionally, work is ongoing to adapt the project’s underground transmission route to meet VicGrid requirements.
These updates reflect the ongoing commitment to refining the Star of the South project, ensuring that it meets both energy goals and environmental standards as it moves forward.
