Offshore wind zone declared in the Southern Ocean

The Offshore Infrastructure Registrar is now accepting feasibility licence applications for offshore wind projects in the Southern Ocean.

Located at least 15-20km from Victoria’s coast the third officially declared offshore wind zone could generate up to 2.9GW of offshore wind energy.

Following extensive community consultation with local leaders, community groups and industry, the final 1030kmsq area is approximately one fifth of the originally proposed zone and no longer includes South Australia. 

The declared area works around the Bonney Upwelling, Deen Maar Island and shipping routes, considering the environmental, cultural heritage and economic significance of these areas.

Applications for feasibility licences will be open until 2 July 2024. During the feasibility stage, developers must undertake detailed environmental assessments and commence consultation to explain how the project will coexist with shipping, tourism and fishing industries.

For more information visit: Southern Ocean region off Victoria, declared offshore wind area - DCCEEW