The survey programme plays a critical role in informing the development of the project by assisting us in understanding all aspects of the unique Bass Strait marine environment. This includes vessel-based and aerial marine fauna surveys (seabirds and marine mammals), underwater acoustic monitoring, and marine ecology studies.
The data collected will inform the project's design and help minimise the environmental impact of the project. The baseline data will be used as part of environmental impact assessments and included in environmental approvals.
Albert Quan, Project Director for Gippsland Offshore Wind Farm at Ørsted, says:
“We’re thrilled to kick off this important work and look forward to collaborating with our hand-picked local experts. These partnerships not only support the project’s delivery but also assist us in delivering on Ørsted’s commitment to supporting the country’s renewable energy goals, transferring offshore wind experience across the continent, and enhancing local employment opportunities.”
Ørsted is engaging with local specialists and leveraging our global experience to facilitate a smooth and efficient project delivery. AECOM, the global infrastructure consulting firm, are leading the project's environmental studies, with the first marine field surveys being undertaken in collaboration with Nature Advisory and HiDef, who are specialists in vessel-based marine fauna studies and aerial ornithological and marine mammal surveys. Following this, the maritime consulting firms JASCO Applied Sciences and BMT will kick off underwater acoustic monitoring, aerial marine mammal surveys, and marine ecology studies in the new year.
Albert Quan says:
“Health and safety is a strong focus for the survey field trips, and we’re pleased to see this safety culture adopted onboard the ships and aircrafts. It marks the beginning of many milestones in the coming years, which will lead to us delivering the projects safely and successfully. “
About Ørsted’s Gippsland Offshore Wind Farm
Global experience, local expertise
Ørsted plays an important role in the global energy industry. Our large-scale offshore and onshore wind farms, solar farms, and energy storage facilities do more than mitigate climate change. They’re also making our energy infrastructure stronger and more robust. And they’re growing the national economy.
We own or operate 17.7 GW of renewable energy capacity, and we aim to grow this to 35-38 GW by 2030.
We’re well-poised to help unlock Australia’s potential for generating reliable home-grown renewable energy. We always place a strong focus on economic and regional development, and we are in dialogue with government and local communities, including traditional owners, to deliver offshore wind power that caters to the needs of everyone in Australia.
Acknowledgement of Country
Ørsted acknowledges the Gunaikurnai people’s spiritual connection to their lands, waters, and sky. Since the first sunrise, the Gunaikurnai people have cared for and nurtured the sacred land on which our project will be developed.
We will embrace the legacy of their ancestors by valuing the resilient culture they have maintained for thousands of years. Together, we will build an authentic relationship with the Elders past and present with respect and to enable their direct benefit.
For more information please contact:
infoaustralia@orsted.com