Environmental surveys on track for Australia’s Great Eastern Offshore Wind project
Offshore wind developer Corio Generation is on track to complete environmental survey assessments for one of the first Australian offshore wind projects, Great Eastern Offshore Wind off the coast of Gippsland.
“We are well advanced in our program, having completed the first nine months of surveys of a 24- month environmental baseline program,” said Penny Pickett, Head of Australia, Corio Generation.
“We have taken a locals-first approach in the delivery of these surveys, with all boat-based surveys utilising local Gippsland vessels.
“We have developed strong partnerships with Deakin University, Monash University and other environmental scientists, including RPS, APEM, Jasco, Biosis and Fathom Pacific.”
These extensive surveys and detailed investigations are capturing data which will allow researchers to monitor the natural marine environment, particularly marine mammals, seabirds, fish and other marine life living and migrating around the project site in the Bass Strait.
The 24-month aerial, boat and acoustic monitoring surveys are designed to capture the full spectrum of environmental conditions and marine life in the Bass Strait and will help inform the design and construction of the project.
Corio Generation has also reached significant milestones in submitting project referrals to inform the State Environment Effects Statement (EES) and Commonwealth Environment Impact Statement (EIS) approval process for the emerging offshore wind industry.
The Great Eastern Offshore Wind project will generate 2.5 GW of electricity for Australia’s energy grid if fully realised. Looking to harness Victoria’s world-class wind resources, the project will play a key role in providing the state with renewable energy and will help pave the way for Australia’s energy transition.
About Great Eastern Offshore Wind
Currently in the feasibility stage, the Great Eastern Offshore Wind project is proposed to be located approximately 22 kilometres off the central Gippsland coast to the east of Wilsons Promontory.
The fixed-bottom wind project will generate up to 2.5 GW of electricity and help to accelerate the offshore wind sector in Australia, while supporting state and national efforts to reduce our carbon emissions.
Subject to the award of a feasibility licence and approvals, the project is expected to begin construction in 2028 and start operating in 2032. The project will then be operational for 30+ years.
Great Eastern Offshore Wind will be tapping into the region’s existing skills and experience from local industries to support the development, construction and operation of the project.
A key aim of the project will be to build local capacity and generate long-lasting benefits for local communities for years to come.
For more information visit www.greateasternoffshorewind.com.au
About Corio Generation
Corio Generation is a specialist offshore wind business dedicated to harnessing renewable energy worldwide. With a unique blend of sector-leading expertise and deep access to long-term capital, Corio works closely with partners in the creation and management of projects from origination, development and construction, and into operations.
Corio has one of the world’s largest offshore wind project pipelines with more than 30 GW in development across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas. Corio’s project portfolio spans established and emerging markets, as well as floating and fixed-foundation technologies. These next-generation offshore wind projects will help form the backbone of the net-zero global energy system while meeting the energy needs of communities and corporate offtakers sustainably, reliably, safely and responsibly.
Operating on a standalone basis, Corio Generation is a portfolio company of Macquarie Asset Management, part of Macquarie Group. For more information visit coriogeneration.com.