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Update your browserOffshore wind for the Hunter. A world class project to build on local strengths, experience, and skillsets.
The Hunter Region has great conditions for an offshore wind farm; it has deep waters, strong winds and nearby port facilities to support construction activities. Newcastle is also close to existing high voltage grid infrastructure and has a strong local skillset.
The Novocastrian Offshore Wind Farm is close to strong existing grid infrastructure, reducing the need for large investment in new onshore electricity infrastructure. The Hunter is the ideal location for the construction and operation of an offshore wind industry which requires deep water for vessel movements and direct access to Port of Newcastle.
Offshore wind is capable of generating energy on a large scale to meet the needs of a growing population. The Hunter coast has a steady and high offshore wind generation profile that supports peak electricity usage times, fills gaps from other renewable sources and supports NSW’s planned future energy mix. The project’s 2000-megawatt size generation capacity and proximity to the existing port and grid infrastructure, enables the delivery of a new source of renewable electricity at scale to consumers with minimal transmission upgrades.
Heavy industry has dominated economic development in the Hunter region for more than 150 years. The region is renowned for coal mining, steel making, manufacturing and power generation. The Hunter region has 30 years of expertise in hydrogen production and an existing customer base in electricity generation.
The significant potential of the Hunter with its combination of strong wind resources, deep coastal waters, port facilities, grid infrastructure and industrial legacy, makes it an ideal home for the deployment of floating offshore wind at scale.
The Novocastrian Offshore Wind Farm will create around 3,000 direct jobs during construction and a further 300 jobs during its 30-year operational life. Skills from mining, power generation, manufacturing, land and marine logistics, project management and administration can be transferred into the offshore wind industry.
Offshore wind energy, along with hydrogen production and the electrification of transport, are exciting new large-scale industries that can benefit the Hunter Region, NSW and Australia.
For example, new floating technology offers a significant opportunity for Australian steel producers and NSW steel fabricators to work with designers to shape design and undertake most of the manufacturing locally in the Hunter.
The Hunter could be home to Australia’s Offshore Wind Energy Hub. Together with our industry partners and other key stakeholders, we have significant opportunities to develop innovations in floating foundations, mooring systems, welding automation and robotics and advanced materials research in the marine environment.
The significant potential of the Hunter, with its combination of strong wind resources, deep coastal waters, port facilities, grid infrastructure and an industrial legacy, makes it ideal for floating offshore wind at scale.
The Novocastrian Offshore Wind Farm is currently in the planning stage. Should Novocastrian Wind secure a Feasibility Licence, we will begin to engage with suppliers to support the sustainable growth of the local offshore wind industry. Stakeholder consultation will provide valuable input during this time. This phase is expected to take 5-7 years and will include the preparation and exhibition of a detailed project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). If the project is approved and financing secured, Novocastrian Wind intends to begin construction around the end of the decade.
Offshore wind will be critical for meeting forecast energy needs by providing a new, large-scale source of low carbon energy capable of filling supply gaps when coal-fired power generation is retired from later this decade. Given its reliability and availability at peak times, offshore wind can also be strategically located close to regions with high population and industrial energy needs, increasing the reliability of supply and reducing the need for extensive new transmission and ancillary energy distribution infrastructure. Winds offshore from NSW are typically strong and more reliable than onshore winds, often reaching capacity at times that correspond with peak energy demand, ensuring consistent electricity can be generated when it is needed most. Importantly, offshore wind offers the potential to fast track job and economic development opportunities for regional Australia and could help to accelerate new industries such as hydrogen and electrification of transport.
The Novocastrian Offshore Wind Farm will be located more than 20 kilometres off the coast of Newcastle. This deeper water location will provide access to stronger wind resources offshore and also minimise potential visual impacts. The location is close to large electricity demand markets and within good proximity of existing onshore transmission infrastructure.
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Based on feedback from the public consultation, the offshore wind zone has been designed to address concerns about visual impacts. The Novocastrian Offshore Wind Farm will be at least 22km from the coastline at its nearest point. This means that though turbines will be visible in some conditions, they will be difficult to see onshore.
Our approach to offshore wind development is based on the philosophy that the fishing industry and offshore wind developments can share ocean resources. We do not intend to restrict or apply for broad-based restrictions on fishing and other compatible activities within the operational wind farm, unless strictly necessary for safety or operational reasons. To the extent that any restrictions are necessary, these may be limited to standard safety zones during the construction phase, and operational safety zones around manned or sensitive offshore platforms or access points.
Climate change and warming sea temperatures are the biggest threats to ocean and the populations that live there. While the initial installation may cause a disruption, offshore wind farms have a net benefit impact on the environment. For example, offshore wind farms and associated structures may be beneficial for marine life and fish by providing sanctuary and feeding grounds. It is also possible to create artificial reef substructures between the turbines which can actually attract animals and further enhance biodiversity.
The development of an offshore wind industry in the Hunter region will direct significant Australian and international investment into this key regional economy and support new, high-quality jobs that leverage the existing skillsets of local workers and businesses.
Everyone will have the opportunity to provide feedback as part of the planning process. There will be additional opportunity for community feedback and consultation once there is an outcome of the regulatory process to grant a feasibility licence to Novocastrian Wind.
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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia.
We pay our respects as we operate across the traditional Country and Sea Country of the Worimi and Awabakal peoples.
We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
