Australia has a huge potential to harness offshore wind energy, according to a new study by researchers from the University of Technology Sydney and the University of Sussex. The study, published in the Renewable Energy journal, estimates that Australia’s offshore wind resources could generate more than the country’s current and projected electricity demand.
The study also compares the offshore wind conditions in Australia with those in the North Sea, where the offshore wind industry is well established in Europe and the UK. The researchers find that the wind speeds and water depths in Australia are similar to those in the North Sea, and that the UK’s experience and expertise could help Australia develop its own offshore wind sector.
“Australia has some of the best offshore wind resources in the world, especially in the southern regions, where the demand for electricity is the highest,” said Sven Teske, a research director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney and a co-author of the study. “The UK has been a global leader in offshore wind development, and has a lot of valuable lessons and insights to share with Australia.”
The study cites several examples of offshore wind projects that are proposed or under development in Australia, such as the Star of the South project off the coast of Victoria, which could be the first large-scale offshore wind farm in the Southern Hemisphere. The project, which is backed by a UK-based company, aims to generate up to 2.2 gigawatts of power, enough to supply 1.2 million homes.
The study also explains that offshore wind technology has become more feasible and cost-effective in recent years, due to the development of larger turbines and floating foundations that can operate in deep waters. These innovations could enable Australia to tap into its vast offshore wind potential, which is mostly located in waters deeper than 60 meters.
The study highlights the benefits of offshore wind energy for Australia, such as creating jobs, replacing coal-fired power plants, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing energy security. The study estimates that offshore wind could create up to 8,000 direct jobs and 16,000 indirect jobs in Australia by 2030, and could reduce the country’s carbon emissions by up to 17% by 2050.
The study also notes the challenges and barriers that offshore wind energy faces in Australia, such as regulatory uncertainty, grid integration, environmental impacts, and social acceptance. The study calls for a clear and consistent policy framework, a robust and flexible grid, and a strong and diverse supply chain to support the sector’s growth.
The study quotes several experts and stakeholders who comment on the opportunities and challenges of offshore wind energy in Australia, such as Professor Andrew Blakers from the Australian National University, Dr Nina Skorupska from the Clean Energy Council, and Dr Mark Hemer from CSIRO.
Professor Blakers, who is an expert on renewable energy, said that offshore wind could complement other forms of renewable energy, such as solar and onshore wind, and provide a reliable and affordable source of power for Australia. “Offshore wind is a very attractive option for Australia, because it has a high capacity factor, meaning it can produce electricity at a high rate for most of the time,” he said. “It can also balance the variability of solar and onshore wind, and reduce the need for fossil fuel backup.”
Dr Skorupska, who is the chief executive of the Clean Energy Council, said that offshore wind could help Australia achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050, and contribute to the global fight against climate change. “Offshore wind is a proven technology that can deliver large-scale clean energy projects in a relatively short time frame,” she said. “It can also create new opportunities for regional development, skills transfer, and innovation.”
Dr Hemer, who is a senior research scientist at CSIRO, said that offshore wind could have positive impacts on the marine environment, such as providing habitat for fish and seabirds, and reducing noise and pollution from shipping. However, he also said that offshore wind could pose some risks, such as affecting marine mammals, birds, and bats, and interfering with fishing and navigation. “Offshore wind needs to be carefully planned and managed, taking into account the potential impacts on the marine ecosystem and the existing users of the ocean space,” he said.
The study mentions that the Australian government has recently passed a new legislation that provides a framework for offshore wind development, and that several state governments have also supported the sector through renewable energy zones and funding schemes. The study compares the offshore wind potential and policies of Australia with other countries, such as the UK, the EU, the US, South Korea, and Japan, and suggests that Australia could learn from their experiences and best practices.
The study concludes that offshore wind energy could make Australia an energy superpower, if the sector is supported by a clear and consistent policy framework, a robust and flexible grid, and a strong and diverse supply chain. The study also recommends that Australia should collaborate with the UK and other countries to share knowledge and expertise, and to foster a global offshore wind community.
The study is based on a peer-reviewed journal article published in the Renewable Energy journal, titled “Offshore Wind Energy Potential and Policy in Australia: A Review”. The article is written by Sven Teske, a research director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney, and Richard Kuzee, a research fellow at the Science Policy Research Unit at the University of Sussex. The article is published on The Conversation, a website that features analysis and commentary from academic experts.
