Key Challenges
A newcomer to Australia’s renewable energy portfolio, offshore wind is facing its own significant challenges, long before the first turbine will generate electricity which, if not addressed, will turn into roadblocks.
Policy and Regulatory Social Acceptance
A complex regulatory environment due to offshore wind farm infrastructure crossing multiple jurisdictions; the impact of negative messaging on social acceptance resulting in first-mover disadvantage; a lack of recognition and understanding of indigenous and non-indigenous cultural heritage resulting in regulatory uncertainty and potential for inappropriate development.
Biodiversity
Uniform baseline data needed to manage individual and cumulative impact to marine and coastal environments so that regulatory settings can be established and monitored.
Technology and Engineering
Unique and challenging Australian seabed and metocean conditions requiring significant site-specific engineering to avoid failure and optimise performance.
Infrastructure Supply Chain Shortage
Supply chain gaps and a lack of at scale sovereign manufacturing capability in a highly competitive international investment environment.
Workforce Shortage
Demand for an already in-demand skilled workforce.