Gippsland features in global offshore wind film
21 February 2024
Gippsland’s offshore wind industry hit the big screen last night, with the Gippsland premiere of global documentary film ‘Planet Wind’ at the Regent Theatre in Yarram.
Locals from across Gippsland got a first look at the documentary, which follows the human stories behind the development and growth of offshore wind around the world.
The film produced by Star of the South’s co-founder, Andy Evans, features Gippsland – and Australia – as a new market where offshore wind can help solve energy and climate challenges while creating new local jobs and business opportunities.
As Australia’s most advanced offshore wind project, Star of the South has been investigating offshore wind in Gippsland for more than five years, helping put Bass Strait’s world-class winds on the global stage.
Gippsland local and Star of the South Community Advisory Group member Tony Wolfe features in the documentary, sharing his story of working in the energy industry in Gippsland.
“It was an honour to share my story. I want Gippslanders to continue the region’s long and proud history of energy generation long into the future – but with clean energy”, he said.
Star of the South Chief Development Officer, Erin Coldham, said it’s exciting to see how Australia continues to learn from colleagues building offshore wind farms around the world.
“We’ve always believed in Gippsland’s potential to lead offshore wind in Australia, with its strong winds, skilled workforce and existing grid, so it’s great to see the region featured on the big screen.”
“It felt fitting to host this screening at the Regent Theatre, which features in the documentary, along with other recognisable Yarram locations.”
Film creator Andy Evans co-founded Star of the South in 2012 and said Gippsland has always been the standout offshore wind home for Australia.
“Gippsland is now known globally as the heart of offshore wind not only in Australia, but the Southern Hemisphere. Not only is the world aware of the region, they want to visit and set up shop to be a part of the exciting future that is developing”, he said.
You can watch the trailer to Planet Wind at www.planetwindfilm.com
About Star of the South
Star of the South is Australia’s most advanced offshore wind project, proposed off the coast of Gippsland in Victoria with an installed capacity of up to 2.2 GW. Star of the South would help meet energy, emissions reduction, and economic goals by supplying renewable energy for more than 1.2 million homes, creating thousands of jobs and investing billions in the local economy. The project was developed under a Commonwealth Exploration Licence since 2019 and is now in the advanced stages of feasibility studies and environmental assessments. The project is targeting first power by the end of the decade, subject to government assessment and approval decisions. Star of the South is backed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), one of the world’s leading clean energy investors, and Cbus Super, a leading Australian industry super fund.
About Planet Wind
Andy Evans follows the story of offshore wind across the globe, exploring our relationship to this immense planetary force. Filmed in thirteen countries and featuring over twenty offshore wind experts, "Planet Wind" delves into humanity's relationship with the wind throughout history and cultures. It reveals the real story behind the development of offshore wind, how this ever-present force is being harnessed, and its potential for our future. Beyond just power, it offers the world and its nations a path to energy independence, revitalises regions hit hard by industrial decline, and presents a crucial solution to reduce emissions.