The Clean Energy Council says that offshore wind is set to provide a bright new future for Victorian industry, with news of the state government's commitment to ensuring massive growth in this emerging sector over the next decade.
The ambitious plan sees the state commit to delivering new minimum targets of 2 GW of offshore wind by 2032, then 4 GW by 2035 and 9 GW by 2040. Offshore wind alone will power 1.5 million homes in a decades' time.
"Today's announcement locks in a major offshore wind industry for Victoria," says Clean Energy Council Chief Executive, Kane Thornton. "Offshore wind is no longer a possibility; it's becoming a certainty.
"Victoria is now leading the nation on offshore wind and is positioning itself to reap the benefits of being at the forefront of this game-changing industry."
"The Clean Energy Council is looking forward to working with the Victorian Government to get this critical industry into the fast lane and to ensure these nation-leading targets are met," says Thornton.
The US and UK have also set strong targets for offshore wind - 30 and 40 GW by 2030, respectively - so it's likely that there will be significant cost reductions in the coming decade, which have so far been a barrier to the development of the industry here.
"Offshore wind projects and their proximity to regions most impacted by the retirement of fossil fuel generators will provide critical job opportunities for workers and their communities," says Thornton.
"With state govt and industry working together, we can ensure a steady delivery of these commitments in a way that provides stability for local workers and suppliers."
ENDS
For more information contact:
Jane Aubrey
Clean Energy Council Media Manager
[email protected]
+61 409 470 683
