Wind power isn't exactly new — Gippsland currently has three windfarms on land at Toora, Bald Hills and Wonthaggi, with a fourth in the planning stage at Delburn. But sticking larger wind turbines out in the ocean? That's the next frontier in renewable energy.

Offshore wind farms are exactly that: clusters of wind turbines planted in the seabed or floating on platforms in relatively shallow waters.

In Gippsland, a unique combination of shallow water and high winds makes the region a fantastic opportunity for wind-powered energy, a precious natural resource.

With average wind speeds on par with those experienced in the North Sea and relatively shallow water, turbines along the Victorian coast can be based on the sea bed, a lower cost option than floating turbines — but floating installations will still be implemented.

In 2024, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said Gippsland was set to transform into “a national powerhouse for reliable, clean renewable power.” 

Gippsland is one of six proposed offshore wind sites across Australia, so what is being proposed? How much energy will it produce? And is it safe?

What’s the plan for wind in Gippsland?

According to the Victorian government the 12 proposed offshore wind farms will generate enough energy to power 1.5 million homes (2 gigawatts) by 2032.

The state government is aiming to double this amount to 4 GW by 2035 and reach 9 GW produced from offshore wind by 2040.

In comparison, the Hazelwood minesite was a 1.6 GW capacity coal fired power station.

The government has identified Gippsland as well suited for offshore wind due to a range of factors including: “excellent offshore wind capacity, proximity to existing electricity grid infrastructure and proximity to energy demand.”

The declared area off Gippsland’s coast covers approximately 15,000 square kilometres. It is offshore of Lakes Entrance in the east and to south of Wilsons Promontory.

In 2024, the Australian Government granted 12 feasibility licences for wind farm projects off Gippsland’s coast in Victoria.

A feasibility licence grants the licence holder company the ability to assess the feasibility of an offshore infrastructure project. The licence does not guarantee a commercial licence that would allow the company to begin construction but instead gives the developer the chance to verify whether a wind farm is feasible.

Under current regulations, feasibility licence holders have up to seven years to complete their studies and prepare for construction but they can begin construction sooner if they are approved for a construction licence.

According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, there were a total of 37 applications received for feasibility licences. These applicants were judged based on technical and financial capability, likely project viability, applicant suitability, and national interest.

The government expects the first of the 12 sites to begin construction in 2027.

The turbines

Modern offshore turbines are engineering marvels — far larger than anything we've seen on land. They can reach 260 metres tall with single blades stretching 115 metres — which means a 230-250 metre total wingspan when at full spin. For perspective, the average soccer field is about 100 metres.

Are there environmental concerns?

Critics of wind turbines often claim an apparent threat the structures have to birdlife. The Australia Institute contends that the average death rate is 1–2 birds per turbine per year. It's too early to determine the exact number of wind turbines that will be built off the coast but there are studies that show the impact on birdlife can be reduced. In fact, technology already exists that uses artificial intelligence and a range of cameras to slow down or shut off turbines and avoid collisions when birds approach.

One study also found that painting at least one turbine blade black could reduce the amount of birds that were killed by 70 percent.

Concerns about the impacts of offshore wind on whale populations have largely been debunked but there are concerns that noise generated in the construction phase could disturb dolphin and whale habitats.

The Victorian government website states there is currently a management plan is currently being developed to reduce the risks to whales and other marine animals. 

“During the investigation and construction of an offshore wind project, developers apply a range of protective measures such as: 

• Restricting vessel speeds

• Using thermal imaging and other observation methods to look out for and track marine animals and other protected species

• Shutting down sound sources if marine mammals are detected within a certain distance

• Maintaining exclusion zones around vessels.”

Where will the new transmission lines go?

With more power arriving from offshore there are a lot of questions around where the transmission lines will be built.

The Victorian government is still deciding on the exact construction route of these power lines, liaising with communities and the developers. At the moment Gifford has been identified as the connection hub zone.

They are seeking to have a preferred route identified this year.

The VicGov website states that they are “refining the study area to identify the best location for the new transmission line, ensuring it minimises impacts and can be built in time to connect large-scale energy from offshore wind to consumers.”

Will wind energy provide jobs?

The state government says that the project is expected to create 600 jobs a year, peaking at 1,460 jobs a year during construction, which is estimated to run from 2027-2040. According to the federal government the project will create a total of 15,000 jobs during the construction phase and 7,500 ongoing jobs.

In comparison, when Hazelwood mine closed in 2017 it was providing approximately 1,050 jobs (750 direct employees and 300 contractors).

Construction is expected to begin in late 2027. The state government expects some of the turbines will be operational in 2030.

Advocacy group One Gippsland is hopeful this project will bring “enormous economic opportunities… the activation of our local ports, industrial, commercial and residential land, and potential for regional diversification.”

What do councils think?

South Gippsland Shire said in a statement it “is committed to supporting the Gippsland region for the influx of renewable energy projects to be established in the coming years. State and National policy targets dictate that emissions must be reduced to net zero by 2050.”

Latrobe City Council Mayor Dale Herriman told the Gippsland Monitor the council was committed to a variety of energy solutions. “We've stated categorically that the council is looking for more diversification. That's something we as a group have been pushing.”

Have your say at community consultations

There are a number of regional consultation events happening in March to give locals the opportunity to engage with offshore wind developers

• Port Albert - Wednesday 12 March 2025, 4:00pm – 6:00pm, Port Albert Mechanics Institute

• Golden Beach - Thursday 13 March 2025, 4:00pm – 6:00pm, Golden Beach Community Centre

• Sale - Saturday 22 March 2025, 10:00am – 2:00pm, Nakunbalook, Sale Botanic Gardens

• Leongatha - Thursday 27 March 2025, 4:00pm – 6:00pm, Leongatha Memorial Hall.

The organisers are encouraging local communities to attend to ask questions and learn more about the offshore wind projects.

Image Source: Nina Ali, offshore wind farm, taken August 28, 2022.