Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Bill 2021 introduced to Parliament

On 2 September 2021 the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Bill 2021 and the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure (Regulatory Levies) Bill 2021 were introduced to the Australian Parliament.

The Bills provide a framework for the licencing and regulation of offshore renewable energy infrastructure and offshore electricity transmission infrastructure in Australian Commonwealth waters and for the recovery of regulatory costs.

NOPSEMA is named as the proposed Offshore Infrastructure Regulator and, should the Bills be passed, would be responsible for oversight of work health and safety, environmental management, infrastructure integrity and financial security for offshore infrastructure activities.

Progress of the Bills can be tracked through the Parliament of Australia website at Bills before Parliament – Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au).

Enquiries in relation to the Bills should be directed to the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources at offshorerenewables@industry.gov.au.