Offshore wind

Establishing a new industry is challenging. And to deliver a successful new industry will take all stakeholders working collaboratively. 

To enable this, in late 2023 the Clean Energy Council established the Australian Offshore Wind Taskforce to coordinate state and federal governments with offshore wind developers to explore opportunities for maximising the economic and environmental benefits of offshore wind in Australia. 

Through its work, the Taskforce has identified two priority key areas to accelerate collaboration and coordination of the Australia offshore wind industry. These priorities are: 

• Priority 1: Establishing clear structure for a national coordination body for offshore wind energy in Australia 
• Priority 2: Determining what a national offshore wind target or national strategy could look like and how this would strengthen and support delivery of offshore wind energy in Australia.

 The Taskforce continues to meet quarterly and will delivery two position papers on the priority areas in December 2024. 

As part of our work to counter misinformation and educate Australians about the benefit of offshore wind, the Clean Energy Council is developing a range of factsheets and learning modules. 

The Clean Energy Council also engages with environmental NGO’s, community groups and local government authorities through our Community Engagement Working Group across the regions where offshore wind will be developed to understand the opportunities and challenges unique to that region. 

The offshore wind industry is only just beginning, so local expertise is hard to find. The Clean Energy Council works with unions, governments and training organisations to train the next generation of offshore wind workers, as well as unlock skilled migration and portable entitlements.

Search our 'Jobs in the industry' page for current positions. If you're at the start of your career and considering working in offshore wind, our Careers Guide can help you know where to start (or visit us at the next Careers for Net Zero job fair).

Australia's First Nations people are often perceived to have strong cultural ties with land, however what is not always as well recognised is the equally present connection to Sea Country. 

As the offshore wind industry continues to develop plans for the construction of offshore wind farms in Australian waters, partnership with First Nations people will be critical to ensure that we continue to build renewables right, with priority to ensure Sea Country and cultures are protected and cared for.  

The Clean Energy Council will be supporting First Nations partners and offshore wind developers to ensure equitable access to the positive outcomes of offshore wind developments across Australia. 

Our First Nations Engagement Guide for the Renewables Industry, co-authored with KPMG, is the first ever comprehensive national guide on meaningful engagement, consent, participation and benefit-sharing with First Nations people on renewable energy projects.