The University of Melbourne has signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ocean Winds (a joint venture between EDP Renewables and ENGIE) to advance offshore wind developments through research and innovation.
The MoU marks a determined commitment to drive offshore wind projects within the country, while exchanging insights between University of Melbourne experts and Ocean Winds specialists.
By conducting environmental studies – such as monitoring pathways and developing predictive tools to optimise outcomes – the partnership aims to support Australia’s commitment to both energy transition and biodiversity preservation, as well as Ocean Winds’ dedication to advancing offshore wind projects in Australia. It is expected to emphasise environmental stewardship and workforce development through collaboration with institutions like the University of Melbourne.
Key areas of focus include marine science, climate impacts, transmission, environmental considerations and technological advancements relevant to offshore wind in Australia, aligned with the key priorities such as developing enhanced environmental assessment methodologies, monitoring strategies and predictive tools to ensure optimal outcomes for both energy transition and wildlife conservation.
The agreement is a step toward the development of High Sea Wind, Ocean Winds’ offshore wind project off the coast of Gippsland. Ocean Winds holds a feasibility license for this project, which is expected to provide an installed capacity of 1.28GW – enough to power one million Victorian households annually and prevent up to 5.3 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. The initiative aligns closely with Victoria’s offshore wind targets.
To support the emerging offshore wind industry in Australia, the University of Melbourne has partnered with several universities to establish the Australian Centre for Offshore Wind Energy (ACOWE). This national, interdisciplinary initiative aims to deliver evidence-based solutions and a new, skilled workforce to enable sustainable offshore wind development for the benefit of Australia.
ACOWE Director, Shiaohuey Chow, emphasised the critical role of collaboration in shaping Australia’s renewable energy future.
“A collaborative approach is crucial to meeting Victoria’s offshore wind targets in a socially, culturally and environmentally responsible manner.”
University of Melbourne Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology Dean, Thas Nirmalathas, also welcomed the collaboration with Ocean Winds.
“This MoU with Ocean Winds will play a key role in unlocking the vast potential of offshore wind energy in Australia, while benefiting local communities and contributing to environmental sustainability,” Mr Nirmalathas said.
Ocean Winds Chief Business Development Officer, Rafael Munilla, said, “We are delighted to take steps in shaping the Australian offshore wind industry, hand-in-hand with one of the key stakeholders in the renewables energy research field: the University of Melbourne.
“Ocean Winds has a strong track record in aligning societal and environmental progress with our offshore wind projects. Putting this expertise at the service of the Australian market, through our High Sea Wind project in Gippsland, not only represents our commitment to leveraging experience and unlocking local opportunities, but it also makes sure that all actors are taking an active part in making these opportunities sustainable and locally focused.”
Ocean Winds is an international company dedicated to offshore wind energy and created as a 50/50 joint venture in 2020 by EDP Renewables and ENGIE.
Featured image: ENGIE
