A recent study commissioned by Australia's Port of Newcastle has revealed the port's potential to accommodate all phases of development for floating offshore wind projects in the Hunter offshore wind zone and throughout Australasia, pending necessary investments.
Covering an expansive 1,854 km2 area, the Hunter offshore wind zone has been earmarked for up to 5 GW of offshore wind capacity, utilizing floating offshore wind technology.
The study underscores the Port of Newcastle's suitability for supporting floating wind deployment due to its deep draft navigation channel, ample development area, and lack of bridge infrastructure.
According to the findings, the port possesses the physical attributes required to cater to the floating wind industry's needs in New South Wales (NSW) and the broader Australasia region, encompassing functions such as marshalling, assembly, staging, and operations and maintenance. The port could facilitate various stages of development through multiple site locations.
This strategic initiative not only positions the port as a central hub for floating wind projects in Australasia but also has the potential to attract original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for both floating and fixed-bottom wind developments. The port's advantageous proximity to designated and potential wind development zones in NSW, New Zealand, and Victoria, with Bass Strait just a two-day ocean transit away, adds to its appeal, as highlighted in the study.
The Port of Newcastle anticipates direct engagement with project proponents following the issuance of licenses for the Hunter Offshore Wind Zone by the Commonwealth Government, signaling its readiness to play a pivotal role in advancing the region's offshore wind ambitions.
