The Australian government has selected an offshore wind zone in the Pacific Ocean off the Hunter (New South Wales), which could generate up to 5 GW of energy. The final area, stretching over 1,800 km2 between Swansea and Port Stephens, was cleared after two months of public consultation with a smaller footprint than the originally proposed zone, making it the country’s second officially declared offshore wind zone. In the revised plan, the zone will extend approximately 20 km from the northern coast and more than 35 km from the southern coast.
Applications for feasibility licenses for offshore wind projects in the Hunter area will be accepted from 8 August to 14 November 2023. During the feasibility license phase, developers will be obligated to engage in additional consultation regarding their specific proposals, which includes conducting comprehensive environmental assessments and assessing potential impacts on other marine users. Construction can only commence once the feasibility stage is finalised, and approvals for environmental and management plans are obtained.
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