Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, declared a section in the Pacific Ocean off the Illawarra coast in New South Wales for offshore renewable energy, according to Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
However, the declared area’s size was reduced after taking community feedback into consideration.
The declared area was reduced after a thorough consultation process with various concerned groups, such as environmental, community, and First Nation groups.
Despite the reduction, the designated zone marks the fourth of its kind aimed at facilitating wind energy development.
According to the website, the declared area covers “1,022 km sq and is at least 20 km offshore from Wombarra to Kiama in New South Wales.”
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According to the website, the Illawarra region is among the 6 priority zones identified by the authorities for potential offshore wind development in Australian Commonwealth waters.
Although the proposed area was downsized, the area declared is sufficient to support the development of a wind energy zone off the coast of Illawarra.
Government estimates suggest the zone can host up to 2.9 gigawatts (GW) of offshore turbines, slightly below the previously envisioned capacity of 4.2 GW for the site.
This development is anticipated to generate significant employment opportunities, with 1,740 jobs expected during the construction phase and 870 ongoing positions once operational.
Following the declaration, the zone will now accept feasibility license applications from interested parties.
The proposals for the licence applications will be accepted by the concerned authorities between June 17 and August 15.