Joint media release: Reliable renewables to unlock regional jobs and future proof industry, with the Bass Strait offshore wind zone declared

The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy 
The Hon Nick Duigan MLC, Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables 

The Albanese Government has today declared the Bass Strait offshore wind zone in northern Tasmania, creating new investment, jobs and cleaner, cheaper, reliable energy across the southern state. 

The new industry could create up to 12,000 jobs in construction and a further 6,000 ongoing roles for engineers, electrical technicians, cable installers, boilermakers, crane operators, riggers, divers, seafarers, dockworkers and administrators. 

The zone could support up to 20 GW of round-the-clock reliable renewable energy – more than half of the current electricity demand across southeast Australia. One rotation of a single offshore wind turbine generates as much energy as an average rooftop solar installation does in a day. 

In response to feedback from local leaders, industry, fishers, unions, First Nations people and community groups, the declared Bass Strait zone is smaller and further from shore. 

It now sits at least 30 km off Tasmania’s north coast and spans 7,100 km2 – reduced by about 30 percent of the original proposal. It also includes a carve out for a shipping lane. 

In establishing Tasmania’s offshore wind industry, there is also an opportunity to future proof existing industries like steel, cement and advanced componentry, boosting Australian supply chains and local economies. 

The Commonwealth will require project proponents to demonstrate their commitment to Australian manufactured inputs, local suppliers and benefits to the local economy, to inform the merits of feasibility licence applications. 

Offshore wind developers can apply for feasibility licences now until 12 March 2025, which allow them to assess the feasibility of offshore wind projects in the declared Bass Strait zone. 

Feasibility licences will only be awarded to developers that prove their project will deliver the most for Tasmania, its workforce and for Australia’s energy security. 

Developers must also adhere to stringent requirements for environmental stewardship and community involvement and commit to sharing the marine space with existing users. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen: 

“Tasmania is already an energy powerhouse – running on 100 percent renewables – but the power of offshore wind could see the state produce and export even more clean and reliable energy. 

“The Bass Strait has truly world-class wind resources, with sustained wind speeds of more than 8 metres per second. 

“Harnessing this power and capitalising on Tasmania’s highly skilled workforce with decades of experience in engineering, logistics and infrastructure can provide energy security for Australian homes and businesses, future proof existing industry and power new green energy industries.” 

Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan: 

“The Tasmanian Government welcomes the declaration of an offshore wind zone in commonwealth waters off the coast of northern Tasmania. 

“Tasmania has some of the best wind resources in the world. Bass Strait has been named as one of the top options for offshore wind energy generation in the country by the Australian Energy Market Operator. 

“An offshore wind industry can help our state maximise its potential as a green energy powerhouse, creating thousands of new jobs and cleaner, cheaper energy and contributing toward our nation leading 200 per cent by 2040 Renewable Energy Target. 

“Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is all about bringing on new energy generation to support the needs of Tasmanians, our growing economy, and the decarbonisation of our existing and future industries, including hydrogen. This zone will give proponents and investors confidence to progress Tasmanian projects.”