Star of the South offshore wind project eyes environmental approval

An investment of $4.62b is allotted for the project

Australia’s Star of the South offshore wind project has submitted its Environmental Impact Statement for approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.

In a statement, Star of the South said this is the primary environmental approval required for the project to proceed.

It also formally entered into an Engagement Agreement with the Traditional Owners through the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) after gaining Major Project Status from the Commonwealth Government after a major land purchase.

The project’s potential contribution to Australia’s clean energy needs secured its status as a major project, where it will continue to receive tailored support from the Major Projects Facilitation Agency for another three years, including assistance navigating regulatory approvals.

It also purchased 120 hectares of farmland on Gippsland’s coast near Reeves Beach where underground cables will be routed to shore, connecting the electricity generated at sea to the grid.

“We’re getting on with Australia’s first offshore wind project to power more than 1.2 million homes and deliver 10% of the emission reductions needed to reach Australia’s 2035 climate target,” Star of the South CEO Charles Rattray said.

The project has been under development since 2017, with a granted exploration licence in 2019 and a feasibility licence in 2024 to explore the potential for offshore wind in Bass Strait off the Gippsland coast.

If all the needed approvals are secured, its construction is targeted to start later this decade to support the National Electricity Market and Victoria’s energy transition with the closure of Yallourn Power Station scheduled for 2028 and Loy Yang A for 2035.