The Australian Government has published draft guidelines for Research and Demonstration licences aimed at supporting the development of offshore renewable energy technologies in designated zones.
The proposed licences, which would run for up to 10 years, are intended to allow developers, researchers, and scientists to test new offshore energy technologies and assess project feasibility ahead of potential commercial deployment.
The licences would be available across all six declared offshore renewable energy zones, including the Hunter and Illawarra regions. According to the government, these areas could unlock up to 8 gigawatts of capacity through floating wind development.
“These Research and Demonstration licences are a big green light to domestic and international investors, signalling that Australia wants to be home to the next technological advance when it comes to offshore renewable development,” said Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen.
“Our first priority for Australia’s offshore renewables areas is to deliver cleaner and cheaper energy… Australian waters are the perfect place to research and develop these technologies, demonstrate their viability and work towards turning our clean energy potential into gigawatts of power,” he added.
Eligible projects could include buoy-based environmental monitoring and small-scale demonstration arrays. Applications will be assessed on their suitability and will be subject to community consultation.
The government has opened public consultation on the draft guidelines, which will run from 22 August to 3 October 2025.
