Australia declares sixth offshore wind zone

The area has a potential for 20 GW of offshore wind energy.

The Australian Government has declared an area off of northern Tasmania’s Bass Strait as its sixth offshore wind zone.

Australia’s other declared offshore wind zones are Gippsland, Victoria; Hunter, New South Wales; Southern Ocean, Victoria; Illawarra, New South Wales; and Indian Ocean off Bunbury, Western Australia.

Authorities said the sixth offshore wind site has the potential to generate 20 gigawatts of offshore wind energy that can power millions of homes.

The declaration follows consultation with local communities, state and local government representatives, First Nations people, and existing industries including shipping, defence, fishing, and other marine users.