Star of the South - Offshore Wind Project
Overview
Star of the South
Star of the South is Australia's most advanced offshore wind project, proposed in Bass Strait off the Gippsland coast.
This project would provide large-scale renewable energy generation to support Victoria's energy transition, while creating local jobs and investment. At up to 2.2 GW, it would generate enough electricity to power around 1.2 million homes and add $8 billion to the Australian economy over its lifetime.
Star of the South is led by Southerly Ten - a specialist offshore wind developer for Australia and New Zealand, with investment from Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, a world leader in offshore wind, and Cbus Super.
Southerly Ten is committed to involving local people and businesses in Star of the South's development, construction and operation, and to sharing economic benefits with the region's Traditional Custodians and communities.
Working with local suppliers and contractors to build local capacity and capability is a priority, including fostering strategic partnerships and collaborations to drive the growth and development of the local supply chain.
Southerly Ten recognises the Gunaikurnai peoples as Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters where the project is proposed, where the project is proposed, acknowledges their continued connection to Country and pays respect to Elders past and present.
More information: Star of the South website
Timing
Star of the South is in the feasibility and development phase.
An exclusive feasibility licence for a 586 km2 area within the Gippsland declared offshore wind area was granted in May 2024.
Early feasibility studies were progressed between 2019-2024 under a previous Exploration Licence. Completed wind, marine environment and seabed studies confirm that the location is suitable and technically feasible.
Star of the South aims to start generating electricity before 2030 to meet the Victorian offshore wind targets of 2GW by 2032, noting that construction can begin only after all approvals and final investment are confirmed.
The project's lifespan is anticipated to be around 30 years.
Potential opportunities
Offshore wind farms are a proven driver for jobs and contract opportunities and the Star of the South presents a unique opportunity to grow the next generation capability for the Victorian renewable sector.
Main contracts being procured directly by the Star of the South are expected to include:
* Offshore wind turbine generators
* Steel foundations
* High voltage submarine and terrestrial cable
* Medium voltage submarine cable
* Offshore substations
* Onshore substations
* Transportation, installation / construction, commissioning of the above
* Balance of Plant Operations and maintenance requirements.
Contracts procured by Star of the South would generate significant downstream opportunities through the successful contractors. Local companies with relevant skills and capabilities in the broader supply chain are encouraged to register their interest.
Some examples of downstream opportunities may include:
* Plant hire
* Earthmoving services
* Quarry products
* Structural concrete
* Welfare facilities
* Steel fabrication
* Signage, marking and signwriting
* Waste management services
* Plumbing
* Security systems
* Generator sets
* Helicopters
* Drones
* Charter and coach services
* Wind turbine consumables
Star of the South is expected to create up to 6,000 Australian jobs, including around hundreds of ongoing jobs in Gippsland across 30 years of operations.
Project Links
- Project website
- Information resource: UK Government Guide to an Offshore Wind Farm
- Project Overview Factsheet
- Project map
HOW TO REGISTER AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)
- To submit an initial EOI, companies must have an ICN Gateway company profile. Information on how to register your company on ICN Gateway is detailed below.
- This is an initial, generic EOI submission only. All companies who submit an EOI will be included in information presented to Star of the South.
- Star of the South will make direct contact with companies who submit an EOI and/or pass details onto its main contractor.
- As ICN Victoria becomes engaged on individual Work Packages for the Star of the South - Offshore Wind Farm Project, project specific EOIs may need to be submitted.
- The services, programmes and initiatives provided by ICN Victoria are aimed at complimenting a company's existing Sales, Marketing and Business Development strategy and any EOI submitted should not be considered as an alternative to these activities.
ICN GATEWAY COMPANY REGISTRATION
- Click here to register your company profile on ICN Gateway.
- Support and assistance is available through the web links listed below.
- An ICN Gateway company profile that accurately and effectively summarises your company is critical to using the services of the ICN Group - please ensure that your company invests the time and energy required to represent your company in the most effective manner possible.
- Companies should ensure that the email notification functionality within their ICN Gateway company profile is activated to include an appropriate level of coverage to ICN News and Updates, Major Projects and Regional Opportunities.
1) Gateway by ICN Setup Wizard
3) Gateway by ICN EOI User Guide
