Australian port operator unveils plans for offshore wind

Australian port operator NSW Ports has unveiled a concept plan for the Port Kembla Outer Harbor in the Illawarra as the Australian state of New South Wales transitions to renewable energy. (Port Kembla's Outer Harbou) to build a large port facility to support offshore wind development projects.

NSW Ports holds long-term leases to Port Kembla and Port Botany and has drawn up concept plans for the Outer Harbor port facility to demonstrate how the port could be used to support offshore wind developments.

Port Kembla is understood to be within the NSW government's proposed Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), which has attracted more than A$43 billion in potential investment across 44 proposed projects, including eight offshore wind power plan.

NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas said Port Kembla's strategic location is critical for the delivery of offshore wind power projects to support the growing demand for renewable energy in New South Wales, Australia. It also stated that the proposed offshore wind power port facility in the Outer Harbor is conducive to creating a large number of job opportunities, promoting innovation and reducing emissions.

NSW Ports has been discussing with offshore wind proponents Port Kembla's role in boosting the growth of this nascent renewable energy industry.

The port already services the import and transport of onshore wind components to support the development of wind farms across NSW and is expected to support hydrogen and key minerals in the longer term.