Gippsland Dawn Offshore Wind Project bags major project status

Authorities will closely work with BlueFloat for the project’s development.

The Australian government has granted the major project status (MPS) to BlueFloat Energy’s  Gippsland Dawn Offshore Wind Project, recognising its national significance to the development of the country’s offshore renewable energy industry and energy transition.

The granting of MPS means a Major Projects Facilitation Agency case manager will coordinate with BlueFloat to assist and navigate government approvals processes.

Australian Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic clarified that the decision does not imply Australian Government endorsement or a guarantee of Gippsland Dawn’s financial success. The project still needs to go through federal and state approval processes.

The Gippsland Dawn Offshore Wind Project is projected to generate up to 2.1 gigawatts of electricity that can power more than one million homes. It was granted a feasibility licence earlier this year, and plans are underway to install wind turbines and offshore substations in Bass Strait, situated between 10 and 33 kilometres from the coast, between Paradise Beach and Ocean Grange.

A $10b investment is proposed, with construction starting in 2029 and operations commencing in 2031. The wind project has an operational lifespan of over 30 years.