Victoria has committed to cutting the state’s greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030, and all government operations – including metro trains, schools and hospitals – will be powered by renewable energy by 2025.

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The Star of the South project is designed to capitalise on Bass Strait’s powerful winds, suitable seafloor and water conditions, and its proximity to the Latrobe Valley, which is one of the strongest connection points to the National Electricity Market distribution grid.

Star of the South chief executive, Casper Frost Thorhauge, said offshore wind would continue Gippsland’s proud history of power generation.

“Governments around the world are looking to offshore wind to power their energy systems into the future and Victoria is leading the way – attracting investment and creating jobs for workers in the regions,” Mr Thorhauge said.

If the project proceeds to construction, it has the potential to provide 2000 direct Victorian jobs, and 200 ongoing local jobs once up and running, the company says.

Friends of the Earth welcomed the news, saying offshore wind could make the Gippsland region a renewable energy “powerhouse” and provide a way for coal communities to modernise their industry.

“Offshore wind is a critical sector for the Victorian government to deliver its legislated commitments to climate change and meet its emissions reduction targets,” said Pat Simons, Friends of the Earth renewable energy spokesperson.

“The Andrews government’s announcement puts Gippsland at the forefront of this exciting new industry and jobs.”

Wind turbines produce no greenhouse gas emissions, and wind is one of the least greenhouse gas-intensive energy sources, even taking into account life-cycle emissions from other energy sources used in development.

Any major project requires a community consultation process and will be subject to a range of regulatory approvals, including environmental impact assessments.

In September, Federal Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor lodged a bill in Federal Parliament for new laws that create the legal permissions to build offshore wind projects.

The government has been criticised by the opposition and investors over years of delays in legalising the offshore wind industry.

Although Labor indicated it would support it, the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Bill remains in the Senate because some senators are threatening to withhold their votes until the government overrides states’ COVID vaccination requirement.

It’s unclear when the bill will be passed.

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Promises of local jobs in regional communities from renewable energy projects are shaping up as an election pitch from both major parties, with the federal election due by May.

Offshore wind farms would most likely be located near areas such as Gladstone in Queensland, Newcastle and Wollongong in NSW and the Latrobe Valley.

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