The potential 5GW of clean electricity generated at Hunter region can power 4.2 million homes. Credit: Teun van den Dries/Shutterstock.com.

Australia’s federal government has declared an offshore wind development zone, with the potential to generate 5GW, in the Pacific Ocean off the Hunter region in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

The zone covers an area of more than 1,800km² between the central coast and Port Stephens.

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The potential 5GW of clean electricity to be generated by the zone will be sufficient to power 4.2 million homes.

The project will create 3,120 construction jobs and a further 1,560 operational jobs.

The Australian Government made the declaration after a 65-day public consultation period involving local communities, First Nations people, community groups, industry, business and local and state and governments, which took place between February and April 2023.

The Hunter coast offshore wind zone is the second to be declared by the country.

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This region has both strong, consistent winds and heavy industries to support onshore manufacturing.

This project is expected to bring energy security to NSW.

In December 2022, the government declared the Bass Strait off Gippsland as the first offshore wind zone, with the potential to generate 10GW.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen stated: “The Hunter is undergoing significant economic change, and the prospect of creating new job opportunities for decades to come through a new offshore wind industry is a game changer. Today’s declaration opens the door for a new industry in the Hunter, which could create over 3,000 construction jobs and another 1,560 ongoing jobs.”

Developers can submit feasibility licence applications for offshore wind projects in the Hunter area between 8 August and 14 November 2023.

Successful licence holders must then conduct detailed environmental assessments and stakeholder consultation for their specific proposals.

Construction will only begin after these have been completed and once environmental and other clearances are in place.