In a significant move towards bolstering its renewable energy efforts, Australia's Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, has unveiled the forthcoming stages of consultation for offshore wind zones in the country. The upcoming consultations will focus on the Bass Strait region and the Perth/Bunbury zone, with scheduled commencements in October and November, respectively.
Minister Bowen shared this development during the inaugural APAC Summit organized by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), an event that aims to encourage collaboration within the industry. The minister expressed that the outlined roadmap would provide much-needed certainty to the industry regarding the immediate path forward.
Highlighting the pivotal nature of these consultations, Minister Bowen emphasized the significance of open and respectful discussions. He underlined the necessity of addressing pertinent issues while also recognizing the vast opportunities that lie ahead for the nation.
The timing of the announcement at the APAC Summit underscores Australia's noteworthy progress in advancing all six offshore wind consultations within a span of just twelve months. This rapid pace of development has earned praise from Ben Backwell, the CEO of GWEC. Backwell lauded Australia's strides in the renewable energy sector and likened the nation's progress to that of a diligent student catching up through dedicated study.
Acknowledging Australia's proactive stance on international collaboration, Backwell highlighted the country's participation in the Global Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA), which aims to foster global cooperation in the realm of offshore wind energy.
Furthermore, Australia's approach to local engagement was lauded, particularly in its support for the State of Victoria's recent entry into GOWA as the first sub-national government to do so. This demonstrated understanding that engagement at various levels is crucial for maximizing the benefits of offshore wind energy.
GWEC looks ahead to furthering its involvement in the region as Australia continues to build its offshore wind sector. The organization anticipates active participation in the APAC Summit's efforts to tap into the substantial offshore wind potential in the Asia-Pacific region.
Concluding on Thursday, the APAC Summit is set to feature an Offshore Wind Open Day, offering a free exhibition for job seekers and individuals seeking deeper insights into the opportunities presented by the offshore wind sector. This event serves as a testament to Australia's commitment to fostering awareness and engagement in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.
