The Federal Government has introduced new licensing regulations for offshore wind energy targeting greater investment and certainty in the burgeoning industry.
The first stage of regulations include; the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Regulations 2022; the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure (Regulatory Levies) Regulations 2022; and the Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS).
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water introduced the new regulations following public consultation on draft regulations, which exhibited from 22 March to 22 April in 2022.
The Department received 36 submissions from industry, state governments, non-government organisations and the community in response to the draft regulations and CRIS.
The Department says the new rules will drive investment by providing certainty about licensing of offshore wind projects and outlining comprehensive cost recovery arrangements for industry.
The consultation for the second stage of the regulations will be released early 2023 and will support:
- Management plans
- Financial security
- Safety and protection zones
- Work health and safety
The outcome from the Guidelines for Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Licencing Scheme consultation will be available at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s website in coming weeks.
