NSW Ports welcomes the federal government’s announcement to commence public consultation for an offshore wind development zone in the Illawarra.
Marika Calfas, NSW Ports CEO, says Port Kembla will be essential for delivering offshore wind projects to support the state’s growing renewable energy demand due to its ideal location.
“NSW Ports stands ready to work with the NSW and federal governments on measures to provide investment certainty for offshore wind projects – and the usage of our port facilities – to underpin future infrastructure needs,” she adds.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to offshore wind in the Illawarra and is a critical step for industry to progress projects that will help deliver a more sustainable energy future.”
“NSW Ports has already launched concept plans for a large-scale port facility at Port Kembla’s Outer Harbour which demonstrate how the port can be used to support the rapidly emerging offshore wind sector in the coming years.”
Port Kembla is close to Greater Sydney’s growing population and surrounded by industrial lands. It is within the NSW Government’s Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone and adjacent to the federal government’s proposed Illawarra offshore wind development zone.
Marika says NSW Ports’ Outer Harbour development will support the handling set down and assembly of offshore wind components – as well as the load-out of the completed turbine units to the zoned location offshore.
“Our proposed facility provides an opportunity for significant job creation, domestic innovation, and decarbonisation. But we need to act now to progress these plans that can strengthen our region and support our state.
“Delivering this type of major enabling infrastructure in time requires substantial and ongoing collaboration between all levels of government, private enterprise, industry and the community.”
Port Kembla is a key infrastructure asset and economic driver for NSW and the nation – contributing $2.9 billion a year to the NSW economy and supporting about 10,000 jobs.
For more information on NSW Ports, click here.