Published: 11 Jul 2021
Offshore wind could be an important source of renewable energy jobs for offshore oil and gas and coal power workers, and allow for the diversification of coal export ports. It can allow us to keep generating electricity in regions with heavy industry and strong transmission grids built for coal-fired power stations.
The report covers the potential for offshore wind in Australia, maps potential locations, looks at the benefits for the electricity grid in diversifying energy sources, and the potential jobs. It includes recommendations across the need to establish a regulatory regime, incorporate offshore wind into national and state energy planning, for funding be provided for innovation and development, and for the permitting process to support local supply chains.
The webinar will also be of interest to those involved in industry super funds investing in renewable energy.
The event will include brief presentations from Michele O’Neil, ACTU President, Dr Gunilla Burrowes, Board Member CEC, Dr. Mark Hemer (CSIRO), Dr. Sven Teske (UTS), and Dr. Chris Briggs (UTS). The research has been supported by the MUA, ETU, AMWU, and ACTU as well as the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre funded by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.
This is an important piece of basic research to support Australia’s energy transition, which should have been undertaken by a government agency 10 years ago. Instead the union movement had to step up to ensure it got done.
More than 10 offshore wind projects are currently in development in Australia, but the government still doesn’t have a regulatory framework for them.
Thanks for your support, comrades.
In Unity
Paddy Crumlin
National Secretary
Maritime Union of Australia
