Feasibility license granted for Novocastrian offshore wind project
Novocastrian Wind has been granted a feasibility licence to develop a floating offshore wind farm off the Hunter coast, which is set to deliver clean energy, create local jobs, and provide long-term benefits to the region’s economy and industry.
Novocastrian Wind Pty Ltd, a collaboration between international energy giant Equinor and Australian company Oceanex Energy, has received a feasibility licence to develop an offshore wind farm in the Hunter region.
Located 22 to 52 kilometres off the coast, the planned wind farm aims to generate 2 gigawatts of renewable energy using floating wind turbines. Once operational, it has the potential to power 1.2 million homes annually, contributing about 10% of New South Wales' electricity needs.
While the licence only grants the ability to begin feasibility studies, Novocastrian Wind must conduct community consultations and environmental assessments before moving on to the construction phase. If all goes to plan, the wind farm could become a vital part of the region’s energy mix, providing sustainable power while driving economic growth and local job creation.
As part of the licence, Novocastrian Wind is expected to maximise local content by engaging local workers, industries, and suppliers, creating hundreds of jobs in the process. This commitment will also involve forming a Hunter Wind Industry Committee, bringing together key stakeholders from governments, local industries, and workers to ensure the project benefits the region economically and socially.
In addition to its potential for producing clean energy, the wind farm is expected to boost local industries such as construction, maritime, logistics, and manufacturing.
"Newcastle’s world class infrastructure, our deepwater port, skilled workforce, abundant resources and energy smarts means our region is poised to lead Australia’s emerging offshore wind industry," said Sharon Claydon, Member for Newcastle.
The offshore wind project will use floating turbines to capture wind energy in the open sea. The process starts when the turbines’ blades are turned by the wind, generating electricity that travels through a network of cables to an offshore substation. The energy is then condensed and transmitted to an onshore substation before connecting to the grid. This approach allows the wind farm to access stronger and more consistent winds while reducing the visual impact for coastal communities.
Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, commented, "We back offshore wind because done right it has huge potential for jobs, new industry, and clean, reliable renewable energy for the Hunter and surrounds."
The development of this offshore wind farm marks a key opportunity for the Hunter region to transition into a clean energy powerhouse while maintaining its legacy as a major energy-producing area.
