Australian electricity retailer Origin Energy and UK-based RES have secured a significant milestone with the granting of a feasibility licence for their joint venture offshore wind project, Navigator North, in the Gippsland development zone off Victoria, Australia.
The federal government's approval enables the partners to commence detailed environmental assessments and geotechnical surveys for the ambitious project.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, marks a pivotal step forward for Navigator North, which will be situated approximately 34 km off the Gippsland coast, covering an expansive area of 700 sq km. If realized, the project aims to contribute electricity to the National Electricity Market (NEM) over a span of 30 years.
Origin and RES have pledged to invest in extensive community engagement initiatives, including establishing a community benefit fund, contingent upon the project progressing to the construction and operational phases.
Victoria's Gippsland zone, spanning 15,000 sq km, was designated in the summer of 2022 as part of Australia's overarching goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
