Chris Bowen remains confident the Hunter Offshore Wind zone will pave the way for energy and job security in the region.
A day after Opposition Leader Peter Dutton announced Liddell – between Muswellbrook and Singleton – was a possible location for a nuclear power plant, if he wins at the next federal election, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy returned to Newcastle on Thursday 20 June to issue the feasibility licence for the project.
“This industry represents a huge opportunity for regional Australia,” he said.
“Offshore wind in the Hunter could support future manufacturing as it builds on the local industrial expertise and infrastructure.”
Equinor and Oceanex have been preliminarily offered a feasibility licence for the potential Novocastrian Wind Pty Ltd project.
Only one is being proposed because other applications were for overlapping areas and found to be of lower merit.
“Should the project go ahead, it would employ about 3,000 workers during construction and create approximately 200-300 permanent local jobs.
“It’d also inject development expenditure worth hundreds of millions of dollars into the Hunter and leverage existing heavy industry.
“It could generate more than 2GW of electricity, equivalent to powering 1.2 million homes or two Tomago smelters.”
Mr Bowen will now conduct further consultation with applicants and First Nations groups, as well as unions and marine users, before a final decision is made, while environmental studies and a detailed management plan are prepared.
“On top of providing reliable renewable energy to Australian industry, offshore wind projects will be required to maximise their use of Australian supply chains and closely consult with local industry and workers on their plans to ensure they benefit from the establishment of this new industry,” he said.
“There are also clear requirements for the developer to consult with fishers and avoid, mitigate and offset any impacts on fishing.
“I expect recreational fishers will be able to travel and fish within offshore wind zone, which already occurs internationally in the United Kingdom and Denmark.
“In those jurisdictions, turbines are about two kilometres apart with an exclusion zone of just 50m.
“It means fishing vessels can go about their normal operations within the wind farm.
“If feasibility for the Novocastrian Wind Pty Ltd project is proven, the developer can then apply for a commercial licence to build an offshore wind project to generate electricity commercially.
“The Hunter has been an industrial and economic powerhouse for generations and my decision [today] is a big step towards providing that powerhouse with reliable renewables.
“The project I’ve shortlisted offers the biggest rewards for the Hunter and Australia.”
Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon, who joined Mr Bowen at the Port of Newcastle, admitted no other region was as well-placed to take advantage of the opportunities presented by renewables and the offshore wind industry.
“Our world-class infrastructure, our deepwater port, skilled workforce, abundant resources and energy smarts means the Hunter is poised to lead this transformation,” she said.
“A new offshore wind industry means new jobs in local manufacturing, construction, maritime, transport and logistics industries, as well growing our vocational education and training pathways – at TAFE and University.
“This announcement builds on the Albanese government’s strong commitment to ensuring that regions like Newcastle and the Hunter play a lead role in generating, storing and distributing clean energy now and into the future.”
For more news stories:
- To go nuclear or not, that is the question?
- Mixed response to NSW budget throughout Hunter
- West end development to attract 13,000 new residents
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