Geelong Renewables Terminal
An offshore wind industry will make a significant contribution to Australia achieving net zero by 2050, while creating thousands of jobs and economic value for regional communities.
Ports will be critical to the establishment of offshore wind, providing facilities for laydown and assembly of equipment before it is shipped to site.
Why the Geelong Renewables Terminal?
GeelongPort’s proposed Geelong Renewables Terminal is ready to support this promising new industry:
Ready for 2029
Located on an existing brownfield site in industrial North Geelong, our proposed development has streamlined planning pathways and can be ready for 2029 to meet offshore wind developer needs.
Meets requirements
Our 25-hectare site features an existing berth pocket and a 12.3-metre-deep channel. The terminal has been designed to meet the needs of offshore wind developers and can be used to handle foundations and/or wind turbine generation assets.
Strategic location
Our strategic location in Corio Bay is close to the Gippsland and Southern Ocean offshore wind construction zones.
Jobs for Victorians
The terminal will generate more than 4,200 direct and indirect jobs during construction and 850 direct and indirect jobs once the terminal is operational. There is potential for the offshore wind industry to support jobs across installation, operations, maintenance and other industries including manufacturing and logistics.
Regional supply chain benefits
Coastal regions are likely to experience substantial economic growth due to investment and employment opportunities. Local businesses could benefit by supplying components and services to offshore wind projects.
We are well placed to help get this new industry off the ground and we look forward to supporting both Federal and State Governments in achieving their renewable energy targets.
Watch our animation to learn more about how our Geelong Renewables Terminal will work.
September 2024 – Deputy PM Marles supports GeelongPort’s Renewables Terminal
On Friday 20 September 2024, the Committee for Geelong convened an event with Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Corio Richard Marles to showcase the preparations for GeelongPort’s Renewables Terminal.
GeelongPort is aiming to develop up to 25 hectares of land at its Oyster Cove site and build a new offshore wind farm terminal to support Victoria’s growing renewables industry in the Gippsland and Southern Ocean zones.
The Geelong Renewables Terminal proposal has been designed for a streamlined environmental approvals pathway to support the delivery of the project in late 2028 or early 2029, in line with the Victorian Government’s development targets.
CEO Brett Winter said GeelongPort was looking forward to working with both Federal and State Governments to achieve their renewable energy targets.
“Achieving Australia’s renewable energy targets will require both public and private sectors to come together and work hand in glove to accelerate the project. We believe our new terminal can be a cornerstone of a multi-port strategy to support the establishment of the offshore wind sector and achieve two gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2032.
“Given the natural advantages of the Oyster Cove site and the speed at which we can
get our project up and running, we are well placed to help get this new industry off the ground and achieve Australia’s offshore wind targets.”
GeelongPort’s site at Oyster Cove has the required space and berth depth for an offshore wind terminal to facilitate the supply of wind farm equipment to Victoria’s offshore wind development zones.
Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Corio Richard Marles, who attended the event, said the Geelong Renewables Terminal would play an important role in driving the growth of renewable energy and boosting the Geelong region economy.
“Unlocking the power of offshore wind in Australia will help power the nation.
“Projects like the Geelong Renewables Terminal will be important as we work towards becoming a renewable energy superpower, contributing to Australia’s 2050 net zero emissions target and I am pleased to support this project.
“This will see significant economic benefits for the wider Geelong region, with the project forecast to create more than 4,200 direct and indirect jobs for Victorians during construction and an additional 850 once operational.”
Committee for Geelong CEO Michael Johnston agreed that Geelong is an ideal region to support the burgeoning renewables industry.
“We believe there is a genuine opportunity for Geelong and GeelongPort to play a role in the development of the offshore wind industry. We have a highly skilled workforce, advanced manufacturing focus, leading tertiary educators and a world-class port ready, willing and able to support this vital industry.”
July 2022 – Geelong Offshore Wind Hub Announced
In July 2022, GeelongPort released plans to develop up to 25 hectares of land for a wind farm hub to support Victoria’s growing renewables industry.
Located at Oyster Cove near GeelongPort’s Lascelles Wharf, the precinct will provide bespoke facilities for the berthing, laydown and construction of equipment for offshore wind farm projects. The new precinct is expected to be a major contributor to economic activity in Geelong and regional Victoria by boosting jobs in the region, developing local supply chains and providing infrastructure to attract renewables businesses.
Since 2018, GeelongPort has facilitated the berthing and laydown of more than three million tonnes of wind farm cargo.
GeelongPort CEO Brett Winter said GeelongPort was proud to be a part of Victoria’s transition to renewable energy outlined in The Victorian Offshore Wind Policy Directions Paper released in March 2022.
“GeelongPort is committed to supporting the establishment and growth of this emerging industry,” he said.
“The strategic location of our port means that we can play a key leadership role in the transition towards renewable energy sources.”
The 25-hectare precinct will incorporate the purpose-built facilities required of a wind farm construction feeder port to meet the unique needs of offshore wind developments. It will support the construction, operation and maintenance of wind farm projects as well as laydown and storage facilities.
While we already have existing capacity to manage wind farm cargo, we are working to grow our infrastructure offering. Our priority is to invest in the right infrastructure to meet industry demand and support Victoria’s renewable energy targets.
The Victorian Government and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) released the Victorian Offshore Wind Policy Directions Paper in March 2022 to outline the state’s vision for offshore wind, which it sees as a vital part of Victoria’s clean energy transition. The Victorian Government has committed to a 2032 offshore wind target for Victoria of at least 2GW, aiming for first power to come progressively online from 2028.
Pending approvals, GeelongPort’s wind farm precinct has the potential to create local jobs during construction and support direct and indirect renewable energy jobs.
This major port precinct is another step to support Geelong community’s ongoing engagement in a clean energy future.
GeelongPort is a critical part of the Geelong region’s economy, facilitating more than $7 billion of trade annually, with the new precinct to further boost jobs and activity.
GeelongPort will continue to engage the local community in establishing Geelong as a leader in the transition to clean energy. It’s all a part of our commitment to becoming one of Australia’s most sustainable ports.
Critical Trade Partner For Victoria’s Wind Projects – Case Study