Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is the process of creating energy from natural resources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed or essentially 'never run out'.

According to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA):

• Solar is one of the most well known.
• Wind power is most wide spread.
• Hydropower is one of the oldest.

Across Australia, renewable energy is growing faster than ever, leading to a more sustainable future and creating thousands of jobs along the way.

Offshore wind in Gippsland

The Australian Government declared the Gippsland Offshore Wind Zone in December 2022. It was Australia's first declared offshore wind zone and covers an area of Bass Strait off the Gippsland coast.

Since the declaration of the zone, the offshore wind industry has continued to develop, with feasibility licences awarded to projects within the declared area.

Offshore wind has the potential to make a significant contribution to Australia's energy transition while creating opportunities for regional investment, jobs, local businesses, supply chains, skills development and infrastructure.

The scale and timing of development will depend on a range of factors, including project feasibility, commercial arrangements, approvals, government policy, transmission infrastructure, port requirements, supply chains and workforce availability.

Council is working to understand these implications and to ensure South Gippsland is prepared for the opportunities and challenges associated with the emerging industry.