NSW PORTS unveiled concept plans for a port facility in Port Kembla’s Outer Harbour to support offshore wind projects.
Announced on Wednesday (22 February), the plans illustrate how the large-scale facility could be used to handle offshore wind components.
NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas believes Port Kembla will be essential for offshore wind projects as the state transitions to renewable energy.
“Port Kembla is close to Greater Sydney’s growing population and surrounded by industrial lands,” she said.
“It is within the NSW government’s proposed Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone and adjacent to the federal government’s proposed Illawarra offshore wind development zone.”
“The proposed Outer Harbour offshore wind port facility provides an opportunity for significant job creation, domestic innovation and carbon emissions reduction. But we need to act now to support the rapidly emerging offshore wind development opportunities.”
Ms Calfas said timely delivery of the infrastructure will need significant collaboration between government, private enterprise, industry and the community over the coming years.
NSW Ports has been speaking with offshore wind proponents about Port Kembla’s role in supporting the emerging renewable energy industry.
“Today’s announcement provides clarity on Port Kembla’s potential to support offshore wind projects and NSW Ports’ willingness to develop infrastructure to progress renewable generation initiatives,” Ms Calfas said.
Maritime Union of Australia Southern NSW branch secretary Mick Cross welcomed NSW Ports’ proposal.
“As the state shifts towards a greater dependency on renewable energy and the price of coal and gas fired energy soars, the demand for affordable, sustainable and clean energy will only increase,” Mr Cross said.
“Port Kembla’s maritime workforce has a massive role to play in that space.”
Mr Cross said the renewable energy projects proposed for the Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone will depend on port infrastructure, port services and port workers.
“It’s a massive opportunity for our sector to grow and deliver long-term, rewarding and fulfilling employment right here in the Illawarra to generations of seafarers and waterside workers,” he said.
NSW Ports said the state government’s draft Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone has attracted more than $43 billion in potential investment across 44 proposed projects, including eight offshore wind generation initiatives.
Port Kembla already handles onshore wind components for wind farms across New South Wales. NSW Ports expects the port to also support hydrogen and critical minerals in the longer term.
