Offshore Wind
Supporting Australia’s Emissions Reduction Targets
Offshore wind has the potential to be one of the fastest-growing forms of renewable energy in Australia and will play a key role in helping Victoria and the nation reach their emissions reduction targets.
In 2023, the Global Wind Energy Council reported the total global offshore wind power capacity had reached 64.3 GW and anticipates approximately 447 GW will be deployed globally by 2032. In Australia, the industry is in its early stages, with Gippsland being the first declared offshore wind zone in the country.
How Offshore Turbines Work
The general principles of electricity generation by offshore wind are similar to onshore installations. Wind flows over the turbine’s blades, turning a rotor connected to a main shaft, which spins a generator to create electricity. Offshore wind farms often generate more electricity than onshore projects due to stronger, more consistent wind resources at sea and greater availability of space.
Fixed Foundations: The Technology Behind Navigator North
The two primary technologies for offshore wind energy projects are fixed-bottom foundations and floating turbines. Fixed foundations, the most mature and widely deployed offshore turbine type, are secured directly to the seabed. The waters off the Gippsland coast in Victoria offer a world-class wind resource with generally shallow waters, making it an ideal location for the Navigator North project to use fixed foundation technology.
Benefits of Offshore Wind
Job Creation
Offshore wind projects tend to deliver more job opportunities throughout the life of a project, especially during their operational phase.
Stronger Wind Resources
Offshore wind farms can take advantage of stronger and more consistent wind resources at sea, allowing for greater electricity generation compared to onshore projects.
Larger Project Scales
The abundance of available space at sea enables the deployment of larger-scale offshore wind farms.