The Australian government is transitioning away from coal-powered electricity supply by granting feasibility licenses for several wind farm projects off Victoria’s coast. These projects include the Star of the South, High Sea Wind, Gippsland Skies, Blue Mackerel North, Kut-Wut Brataualung, and Orsted’s Gippsland, with the goal of producing 2.9 GW of power. The government aims to increase this to 4 GW by 2025 and 9 GW by 2040.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen mentioned that six more licenses will be granted after consultation with traditional owners, potentially leading to a total production of 25 GW. These projects will help fill the energy gap left by coal in Victoria and the national electricity market.
Offshore wind farms in the Bass Strait off Gippsland will utilize undersea cables to transport energy generated by sea-based wind turbines. These projects are expected to create 15,000 construction jobs and contribute significantly to the energy future of major Australian companies.
A joint Victoria-South Australia tender aims to provide an additional 600 MW of capacity by 2030 under the Capacity Investment scheme. Selected projects will receive a government investment guarantee to ensure the success of their renewable energy projects.
The environmental impact of wind zones, such as the approved offshore wind zone off Victoria’s coast, has been a concern. The approved wind zone, located 20 kilometers off the Western Victoria coast, was reduced in size due to concerns about its impact on marine life and other industries.
Overall, these wind projects are crucial for the Australian government’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, contributing to a greener future for the country. Please rewrite this sentence.
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