OFFSHORE wind power in Gippsland will help meet Australia’s target of 82 per cent renewable energy by 2030 according to the Australian Marine Conservation Society.
A new offshore wind report ‘Improving Decision Making in Relation to Offshore Wind’ commissioned by the AMCS has called for a clear, science-led roadmap to guide the rollout of offshore wind power.
AMCS Campaigns Director Tooni Mahto said the rapid pace of development of offshore wind energy demands stronger leadership to ensure the transition is done correctly.
“Renewable energy to help Australia meet its 82 per cent renewable energy target must be progressed to protect environmental and cultural values of the region,” said Ms Mahto.
The report highlighting key environmental concerns and the benefits of renewables draws insights from six declared offshore wind power zones including Gippsland.
Commissioned by the AMCS and authored by the Biodiversity Council and the Australian Centre for Offshore Wind Energy (ACOWE) the report calls for a balanced approach to wind power that accelerates clean energy while protecting Australia’s unique marine life and respecting cultural heritage.
“There is a role for First Nations people to ensure the protection of the things they love and care about,” said Ms Mahto.
“Offshore wind development must prioritise Indigenous rights, leadership and cultural heritage to ensure the wellbeing of Country and fair benefits for First Nations communities.”
With 87 per cent of Australians living within 50 kilometres of the coast, offshore wind has the ability to play a pivotal role in decarbonising the energy supply according to the AMCS including hard-to-abate industries like steel and aluminium.
“Industrial-scale projects must be planned and implemented with care,” said Ms Mahto.
“Australia’s oceans are constantly windy.
“Increasing community interest in offshore wind energy has led to misinformation about the impact of offshore wind turbines.
“Gippsland needs timely, transparent and science-based information to empower the local community to engage in offshore wind planning and how this can benefit local communities.
“Offshore wind is a new development in our oceans and there is a major opportunity to progress it in a way that protects nature.
“Evidence-based policy is needed from all levels of government. The bottom line is Australia has to get off fossil fuels.”
AMCS has called for the transition to the oceans to be done at the highest standard possible in a meaningful way with a national framework.
“With offshore wind energy projects required to go through multiple approval stages we are keen to see a strong set of environmental data as they progress,” said Ms Mahto.
“We need to develop offshore wind zones to provide consistent and sustainable sources of power with a package of mitigation and protection measures to ensure marine ecosystems are not damaged with each area having its own unique set of marine values.
“Communities need this infrastructure.
“Transparency is important for the whole marine ecosystem.”
Studies of Southern Right and Humpback whales have shown the migration and breeding season of whales occur at predictable times of the year.
“Construction of wind turbines would be paused during these times,” said Ms Mahto.
Specialist marine biologists are collecting data on migratory birds.
“Mitigation measures for migratory birds include blade design,” she said.
“It is about making sure there is enough information to make a good decision.
“Communities can trust that process.”
Gippsland offshore wind turbines are predicted to produce up to 25 gigawatts (GW) of generating capacity which is roughly equivalent to 25 coal-fired power stations.
The combined capacity of Loy Yang A and Loy Yang B is currently 3.2 GW.
The Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act 2021 (OEI Act) has established a regulatory foundation for six designated priority Offshore Energy Infrastructure Zones including waters off the Gippsland coast.
Australia’s oceans are home to an estimated 500,000 marine species many of them found nowhere else according to the AMCS and there are still significant knowledge gaps around the potential impacts of offshore wind on marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
“There is an opportunity for government to take a lead in the leveraging of private investment in offshore wind power while ensuring strong science, community consultation and environmental safeguards,” said Ms Mahto.
“The burning of fossil fuels is a greater threat to the oceans.
“Ninety-five per cent of the great kelp forests in the southern ocean have already been lost.”
Offshore renewable energy will make a significant contribution to the removal of fossil fuels according to the AMCS which is advocating for a national framework to make sure all oceans are protected.