Gippsland’s new offshore wind industry is leading the way for Australia.
The Offshore Wind Energy Victoria website connects you with information including:

• Maps and visualisations
• News and events
• Information on environmental and planning
• processes
• Links to other leading resources

Follow the link on Learn more to keep informed 
Email: offshorewind@deeca.vic.gov.au

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The Energy Fact Check site draws on national and international research to provide evidence-based information on the energy transition.

This site helps to answer common questions that members of the community have about the energy transition and the role of renewable energy and storage. 

Questions like:  

• Are renewables more expensive than coal, gas, and nuclear?
• How much land does renewable energy use, and will it affect our food security?
• Can Australia run its power grid on renewables?

Energy Fact Check is delivered by the Clean Energy Council as part of the industry association’s efforts to support informed public discussion.

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MARINUS LINK has shortlisted two consortiums for Marinus Link’s major civil construction tender and are calling on subcontractors to participate.

TasVic Greenlink and Empower have entered a competitive and collaborative process for Marinus Link’s final Stage 1 major contract, which covers onshore civil and installation works, including constructing the converter station buildings and the land cable civil works.

Tasmanian and Victorian subcontractors are strongly advised to register their interest and attend Meet the Proponents events scheduled for late February.

Register to attend and Meet the Proponents in Gippsland:

Morwell, 21 Feb – Marinus Link Industry Briefing: Meet The Proponents (Morwell)

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In Australia’s transition to net zero emissions, the electricity sector has a major role to play. But does nuclear power have a place in our future grid?

• CSIRO reaffirms nuclear power likely to cost twice as much as renewables.
• Nuclear power does not currently provide the most cost competitive solution for low emission electricity in Australia.
• Long development lead times mean nuclear won’t be able to make a significant contribution to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
• While nuclear technologies have a long operational life, this factor provides no unique cost advantage over shorter-lived technologies.

Despite nuclear power being a component of electricity generation for 16 per cent of the world’s countries, it does not currently represent a timely or efficient solution for meeting Australia’s net zero target.

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Victorian Labor energy minister Lily D’Ambrosio on Tuesday launched the call for expressions of interest (EoI) to build the transmission infrastructure necessary to connect Gippsland’s new offshore wind farms to the grid.

“VicGrid is looking for a development and construction partner that will work closely with local communities, Traditional Owners and landholders while driving value for money for Victorian energy users,” the government says.

“Industry has a crucial role to play in the energy transition and we are looking for a transmission partner that shares our commitment to deliver the best outcomes for local communities in Gippsland.”

After careful consideration of the merits and complexities of 330 kilovolt (kV) and 500 kV transmission technology, VicGrid has decided a 500 kV transmission line is the most suitable solution for this project.

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The First Nations Clean Energy Strategy was released on 6 December 2024, following extensive public consultation and stakeholder engagement, with First Nations peoples, state and territory governments, industry representatives and academics.

The Strategy is co-sponsored by the Minister for Energy and Climate Change and the Minister for Indigenous Australians and is a key priority under the National Energy Transformation Partnership. The clean energy transition is a critical moment for Australia’s relationship with First Nations peoples.

The Strategy is a national framework to guide investment, influence policy, and support First Nations people to self-determine how they participate in, and benefit from, Australia’s clean energy transition. The Strategy outlines a vision for a sustainable clean energy future for all Australians, with Country and Culture at the heart.

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GenCost 2024-25 Consultation Draft released. Consultation closes: 11 February, 2025
For the seventh year in a row, renewables have the lowest cost range of any new electricity generation, despite varied inflationary impacts across technologies.

Each year, CSIRO and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) collaborate with industry stakeholders to update GenCost. This leading economic report estimates the cost of building new electricity generation, storage, and hydrogen production in Australia out to 2050.

Key findings:

• Large scale solar PV remains the strongest performer, falling 8 per cent for the second year in a row.
• Battery costs record the biggest annual reduction, falling 20 per cent.
• Onshore wind costs continue to increase, but at a slower rate.
• Gas turbine costings increase reflecting the additional cost of being hydrogen ready.
• New insights on nuclear projects, including potential cost advantages of a long operational life, plausible capacity factor ranges and likely development lead time.

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The marine surveys started in November 2024, and will continue into 2025.

Blue Mackerel has commenced marine surveys to better understand the metocean conditions, ocean floor and seabed conditions within the Blue Mackerel feasibility area. One of the first steps is to undertake geophysical, geotechnical, wind and wave (FLiDAR) and other environmental surveys.

The marine surveys started in November 2024, allowing data to be gathered during the summer months which provide improved conditions for these investigations. Four types of surveys will be conducted in late 2024 and throughout 2025

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Victorian Government released it’s Cheaper, Cleaner, Renewable: Our Plan for Victoria’s Electricity Future. The document outlines the actions they are taking to ensure our state achieves its renewable energy targets.

The plan is built on 4 pillars:

• Enabling the renewables big build
• Empowering households and businesses to lower energy bills
• Managing the transition away from fossil fuels
• Creating jobs, skills and supply chains.

Victoria is experiencing a once-in-a-generation shift in how we get our electricity. As our ageing coal-fired power stations retire, they are being replaced by cheaper, more reliable renewable energy like wind and solar. 

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