Ørsted and the University of Melbourne join forces to fast-track Australia’s offshore wind and renewable energy future

The University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ørsted, which has over thirty years of experience in the development of offshore wind energy projects with wind farms across three continents in Europe, America and the Asia-Pacific region.

The MOU will bring together Ørsted’s unique operational experience with the University’s deep knowledge of the local marine environment, biodiversity and Indigenous Sea Country to help design and deliver the best offshore wind outcomes in Australia.

In addition to fostering academic and research cooperation within the offshore wind sector, the partnership will also focus on enhancing the preparedness of students and researchers for careers in the growing renewable energy sector. 

University of Melbourne Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology Dean Professor Mark Cassidy welcomed the partnership.

“This MOU with Ørsted will allow us to play a pivotal role in unlocking the potential of offshore wind energy, with long-term benefits for local communities, the economy and the overall environment,” Professor Cassidy said.

Ørsted Australia Director Henriette Holm said the partnership will leverage the strengths of two global leaders in their respective fields that are committed to Australia’s offshore wind and renewable energy future. 

“Ørsted is delighted to join forces with the University of Melbourne to help Australia fast-track and benefit from its enormous offshore wind potential. 
“With the sharing of expert local and global knowledge, the MOU will help accelerate collaboration around offshore wind opportunities to deliver the best outcomes for Australian communities, workforces, educators, businesses and the environment. 

“Ørsted is a strong believer in long-term academic partnerships, which have helped it achieve unrivalled success in constructing 33 offshore wind farms across Europe, the US and Asia Pacific.”

Ørsted believes the development of an Australian offshore wind industry holds huge potential for experienced professionals with transferrable skills and those just entering the workforce. The initial phase of Ørsted’s proposed project off the coast of Gippsland in Victoria will create up to 6,000 jobs, with local workers and students able to tap into its technical knowledge and skills transfer programmes.

University of Melbourne lead Dr Shiaohuey Chow said that the University is well-positioned to provide access to, and targeted development of, a dedicated workforce.

“I am excited to work together with Ørsted to contribute towards unlocking offshore wind energy in Australia. Extending beyond workforce development, our research capabilities at the University of Melbourne will support Ørsted to tackle challenges unique to the Australian development of offshore wind farms,” Dr Chow said.

The partnership with Ørsted will kick off with a guest lecture on offshore wind foundation design delivered by Ørsted Senior Specialist, Avi Shonberg, in a newly launched subject ‘Offshore Wind Geotechnical Engineering’.

About Ørsted Australia

As the world’s first, largest and most experienced offshore wind developer, Ørsted is ready to partner with Australia to harness the abundant wind resources off its coastlines. Our projects will demonstrate that reliable clean energy goes hand-in-hand with long-term benefits for communities, the economy and the environment. We will work closely with local communities and partner with Traditional Owners, to ensure the right outcomes are achieved for Australians.

The Ørsted vision is a world that runs entirely on green energy. Ørsted develops, constructs, and operates offshore and onshore wind farms, solar farms, energy storage facilities, renewable hydrogen and green fuels facilities, and bioenergy plants. Ørsted is recognised on the CDP Climate Change A List as a global leader on climate action and was the first energy company in the world to have its science-based net-zero emissions target validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Headquartered in Denmark, Ørsted employs approx. 8,000 people. Ørsted's shares are listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (Orsted). In 2022, the group's revenue was DKK 132.3 billion (EUR 17.8 billion). orsted.com.au


About the University of Melbourne 

Established in 1853, the University of Melbourne is one of the oldest universities in Australia and the first in the state of Victoria.

The University’s purpose is to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Nearly 10,000 academic and professional staff support a vibrant community of more than 52,000 students, including more than 20,000 international students from 150 countries.

The University is situated on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, Bunurong, Yorta Yorta and the Dja Dja Wurrung people. It comprises eight campuses: Burnley, Creswick, Dookie, Fishermans Bend, Parkville, Shepparton, Southbank, and Werribee.

The University’s vision is to equip students with an outstanding education personalised around their interests and needs and embedded in a collaborative research culture. Students can study a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses that are offered by nine faculties: arts, architecture building and planning, business and economics, education, engineering and information technology, fine arts and music, law, science, and medicine, dentistry and health sciences.

The University is embedded within world-class research and innovation precincts and engages with its communities and partners to address major social, economic, medical and environmental challenges.

The University of Melbourne is ranked among the best universities in the world, delivering education and research that is global in reach, ambition and impact.

For further information, please contact: 

Ørsted Australia Media Relations

Alex Finlayson
alefi@orsted.com