More than electricity

Offshore wind is a nation building industry that can strengthen our energy system, boost regional economies, support Australian manufacturing, and cut carbon emissions – for a brighter future.

Less transmission, lower prices

Gippsland offshore wind can help lower power prices, reduce the need for new transmission and keep the grid stable.

A study of the National Electricity Market by Jacobs compared a future with and without offshore wind, to understand what effect it’ll have on our energy system as aging coal power stations retire.

It found that with 7 GW of offshore wind in Gippsland by 2040 the grid would need 900 km less transmission and less reliance on gas, saving typical Victorian households $150 a year.

Read the full report findings

Clean, reliable power at scale

Offshore wind will generate large amounts of electricity close to where Australians live and work. The wind out at sea is strong and consistent, meaning turbines can produce more power, more often.

  • Helps offset the loss of retiring coal power stations
  • Harnesses a vast, untapped energy resource
  • Strengthens energy security
  • Helps stabilise electricity prices long-term

Star of the South’s annual output would be similar to that of the Yallourn Power Station today.

Cutting emissions faster

Electricity generation is one of Australia’s largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Offshore wind helps clean up the grid by boosting renewable energy generation.

  • Cuts emissions at scale
  • Supports Australia’s 2035 emissions targets
  • Helps protect oceans and coastlines from climate impacts

Star of the South alone could deliver 10% of the emission reductions needed to reach Australia’s 2035 target.

Jobs and economic growth

Offshore wind projects creates thousands of jobs across planning, construction and long-term operations.

They’ll also bring new investment into regional economies that are transitioning from traditional energy industries, such as Gippsland where coal generation and oil and gas exploration has been a major industry for generations.

  • Long-term, skilled local jobs
  • New opportunities for regional businesses
  • Investment in training, infrastructure and local supply chains
  • Economic benefits for Traditional Owners and local communities

Star of the South will employ a local workforce of around 200 for 30+ years and add an estimated $3 billion to the Gippsland economy.

Strengthening Australia's supply chain

Each offshore wind project will buy hundreds of local goods and services, creating long-term opportunities for Australian businesses and helping build a new clean energy industry.

  • Supports Australian manufacturing
  • Builds new industrial capability
  • Creates opportunities across the supply chain
  • Strengthens economic resilience

Star of the South has identified more than 380 supply opportunities for Australian businesses, representing billions of dollars in local content.

WORLD-CLASS WINDS

Bass Strait is home to the Roaring Forties – powerful westerly winds that blow across the Southern Hemisphere.

The Roaring Forties are legendary for being strong and remarkably consistent, all year round. But that’s not the only reason Bass Strait is one of the best places on earth for offshore wind energy.

After analysing 30 years of meteorological data, we found a unique high pressure system on very hot days that causes Bass Strait winds to build up, becoming stronger in the afternoon and evening – exactly when demand for power is high.

Offshore wind in Gippsland will deliver on hot summer days when the grid is under pressure and complement other renewables for a more reliable system year-round. 

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SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

Are you excited about the opportunities offshore wind presents for Gippsland, Victoria and Australia?

Local jobs, investment and large-scale renewable power are all long-term benefits that will make a difference.

By getting behind Star of the South, Australia’s most advanced offshore wind project, you can help shape the future you want to see.

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