Offshore wind in Australia

Australia has abundant and high-quality offshore wind resources in a range of locations.

Unlocking the power of offshore wind in Australia will help improve energy security as coal fire power stations retire, as well as improving affordability, and sustainability and bring us another step closer to net zero by 2050.

An offshore wind industry in Australia will provide opportunities to reduce emissions and, importantly, fast track job and economic development opportunities for regional Australia, particularly in clean energy generation and green manufacturing.

The Australian Government has established a regulatory framework for offshore wind to realise the potential of some of the best wind resources in the world. We are attracting strong international interest to invest in Australia and create a new renewable energy industry.

The Australian government is assessing 6 high priority areas around Australia. These areas have the potential to produce the renewable energy needed to support Australia becoming a clean energy superpower.

We are responsible for:

  • developing and implementing a legal framework for offshore renewable energy in Australia
  • consulting with the public on priority areas identified as having exceptional offshore wind potential
  • developing frameworks and policies to ensure the emerging offshore wind industry is successful and sustainable.

We are also responsible for the assessment of applications under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). 

The Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner is responsible for receiving and referring complaints from the community about wind farms. The role of the Commissioner is to provide greater transparency on information related to proposed and operating wind farms.

Our role

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Legislation and regulations

Establishing rules and processes for the offshore wind industry

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Australia's offshore wind areas

Seeking public feedback before an area is declared

 

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Building an offshore wind industry

Developing a sustainable and successful industry

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Myth busting

Get the facts

Offshore renewable energy process

Process for offshore wind in Australia

Phase 1 – Area Declaration (6-9 months)
Area identification and preliminary assessment

We engage with various government agencies to understand risks to environment, shipping, aviation and defence when mapping out a proposed area.

Phase 1 – Area Declaration (6-9 months)
Public consultation on proposed area

Public consultation is open for a minimum of 60 days. We advertise the proposal so you know how to provide your feedback.

Phase 1 – Area Declaration (6-9 months)
Area declared if suitable

The Minister considers all submissions and makes a decision to declare all of the proposed area, some of the proposed area or to not declare the area at all.

Phase 2 – Feasibility Licence (2-7 years)
Feasibility Licence Application

Proponents apply for feasibility licences. Applications are assessed against the merit criteria, before the Minister grants feasibility licences to successful proponents. A feasibility licence lasts for 7 years.

Phase 2 – Feasibility Licence (2-7 years)
Environmental and other approvals received and opportunity for community feedback

Feasibility licence holders begin studies on the area. Environmental and other approvals are acquired during the feasibility licence period. Public consultation is required as part of environmental approvals under the EPBC Act.

Phase 2 – Feasibility Licence (2-7 years)
Management plan development and opportunity for feedback to manage co-existence

Feasibility licence holders develop management plans that must address workplace health and safety, conditions or requirements of other approvals, and coexistence with  other marine users and industries. Management plans must be approved by the Offshore Infrastructure Regulator before a proponent can apply for a commercial licence.

Phase 3 – Commercial Licence (up to 40 years)
Commercial licence application

Proponents apply for commercial licences. The Minister grants commercial licences only if all required criteria have been met

Phase 3 – Commercial Licence (up to 40 years)
Construction, Operation and Decommissioning with ongoing consultation to manage co-existence

Once a commercial licence is granted, proponents can begin construction. Consultation with directly impacted marine businesses is required throughout construction and operation. Projects must be decommissioned at the end of their life.

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Contact us

Email offshorerenewables@dcceew.gov.au