The Allan Labor Government is advancing Australia's first offshore wind industry in Victoria. The release of Offshore Wind Energy Implementation Statement 4 (IS4) outlines the next steps towards achieving 2 GW of offshore wind energy.
A confidential Registration of Interest (ROI) process began last month, which will inform the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage, set to launch in September 2025. Contracts will be awarded before October 2026. The Government will support proponents with a contract-for-difference (CfD) and availability payment to ensure investment certainty and energy security.
The industry is also focusing on community engagement, with a requirement for proponents to provide additional benefits beyond the Renewable Energy Zones Community Benefits Scheme. Additionally, local content targets aim for 80% local involvement in operations and maintenance by 2032, and 10% of labour hours will be dedicated to apprenticeships and training.
To meet future workforce demands, a $4.9 million grant will be available for the Wind Worker Training Centre. These steps align with the state’s offshore wind energy targets of 2 GW by 2032, 4 GW by 2035, and 9 GW by 2040.
