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.
The purpose of this collaboration is to advance offshore wind energy through pioneering research and innovation, with a particular emphasis on minimizing environmental and measurement constraints.
By conducting environmental studies – such as monitoring pathways and developing predictive tools to optimize 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 the country. This will emphasize environmental stewardship and workforce development through collaboration with institutions such as 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.
This agreement is a critical step towards 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 will provide an installed capacity of 1.28 GW – sufficient to power around one million Victorian households annually and prevent up to 5.3 million tons of CO₂ emissions per year. This initiative aligns closely with Victoria's ambitious offshore wind targets.
The University of Melbourne has a long history of driving innovation and advancing new industries through research. To support the emerging offshore wind industry in Australia, the University of Melbourne has partnered with several universities to establish the Australian Center 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.
Associate Professor Shiaohuey Chow, Director of ACOWE, emphasized 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,” Chow said.
Rafael Munilla, Chief Business Development Officer of Ocean Winds, 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 .”
