Origin Energy, RES JV bags feasibility licence for offshore wind projects in Australia

These are seen to deliver 1.5GW of installed capacity.

The Australian Government has granted the joint venture between Origin Energy and RES a feasibility licence for the Navigator North offshore wind project that will be located in Victoria’s declared Gippsland offshore wind zone.

In a statement, Origin Energy said the project, which is 34 kilometres from shore and covers an area of 700 square kilometres, has the potential to deliver 1.5 gigawatts of total installed capacity to the national electricity market.

“Should the project progress to the construction and operation phase, the venture plans to invest into community engagement activities, including direct community investment through the establishment of a community benefit fund, a neighbourhood benefits sharing scheme and a local energy discount scheme,” Origin Energy said. 

Around 1,400 new jobs will be created during the design and construction phase and a further 60 jobs over the project’s 30-year operational life.