The Australian Ministry for Climate Change and Energy has granted a feasibility licence to the Norwegian energy group Equinor and to Oceanex Energy for the development of a 2 GW offshore wind project off Australia’s east coast. The Novocastrian wind project, which would be built offshore Newcastle in the State of New South Wales, could produce enough power to supply 1.2 million Australian households once completed.
The feasibility licence allows developers to undertake environmental assessments and geotechnical surveys. If feasibility is proven, Equinor and Oceanex will be able to apply for a commercial licence to build the offshore project in the Hunter offshore wind development zone.
Australia, which did not yet have offshore wind capacity at the end of 2023, has designated four offshore wind development zones, including Gippsland, to support the country’s 2050 net zero emissions target.
