Infrastructure integrity
The OIR is responsible for regulating infrastructure integrity in relation to offshore renewable energy infrastructure or offshore electricity transmission infrastructure in the Commonwealth offshore area.
Licence holders will need to take all reasonably practicable steps to maintain the integrity of offshore renewable energy infrastructure including:
- the ability of the infrastructure to perform in accordance with its intended purpose
- the structural soundness of the infrastructure
- mechanical and systems integrity (including electrical, hydraulic, and other systems).
Infrastructure integrity must be maintained such that offshore renewable energy infrastructure can be appropriately decommissioned at the end of its useful life.
Infrastructure integrity is intrinsically linked to protecting the health and safety of workers and cannot be fully considered in isolation from these factors.
To support infrastructure integrity, the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act 2021 (OEI Act) framework provides for safety and protection zones to be established in and around offshore renewable energy projects.
Restrictions may be placed around specific infrastructure to manage safety and protect infrastructure from damage. The exact details and duration of these restricted areas will be determined on a project-by-project basis by the OIR.
Find out more about safety and protection zones