The southern ocean region off Portland in Victoria has been proposed as the state’s second offshore wind declared area.
A 60-day public consultation process will now be undertaken before a decision is made by the federal government.
“We welcome the addition of a second offshore wind zone in Victoria and want to ensure Portland and surrounding communities can harness the benefits of our renewable energy transition,” Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said.
“Victoria is blessed with rich renewable sources, including our windy coastlines, this will help us achieve our renewable energy target of 95 per cent by 2035.”
Offshore Wind Energy Victoria (OWEV) is set to assist the Portland community through the consultation process, and will work with local Traditional Owners to ensure any future development of offshore wind will be a genuine partnership.
The news follows last month’s announcement of the state’s aim to cut its emissions by 75 per cent to 80 per cent by 2035.
Within that target, the state’s government set an ambitious target for at least 2 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity by 2032, 4GW by 2035 and 9GW by 2040.
Recently, the government also announced a new 150-megawatt battery, increasing energy storage capacity for the state.
To have your say in the public consultation process, visit here.
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