New offshore wind centre to advance net zero ambitions
Deakin University has partnered with the University of Melbourne and key offshore stakeholders in launching the Australian Centre for Offshore Wind Energy (ACOWE) to address the key challenges faced by offshore wind farms in Australia.
ACOWE will serve as the gateway to access multidisciplinary Australian research capabilities and act as a trusted source of knowledge for the community.
As a newcomer to Australia's renewable energy portfolio, offshore wind faces several significant challenges including a complex regulatory environment, social acceptance, workforce shortage, environmental management, supply chain gaps, and the need for site-specific engineering. These challenges, if not addressed promptly, could become roadblocks to progress.
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment Executive Dean Professor Nick Birbilis said that Deakin is committed to addressing and solving major societal challenges, including supporting offshore wind energy production and reducing Australia’s carbon emissions.
'We are delighted to see the Australian Centre for Offshore Wind Energy come to fruition,' Professor Birbilis said. 'Deakin has had a long history supporting the emerging offshore wind energy sector, including undertaking biodiversity surveys for the Star of the South, Australia’s likely first offshore wind farm, and we have also been working closely with other proponents and the State and Federal Government agencies across a range of programs.
ACOWE Director and University of Melbourne Associate Professor Shiaohuey Chow said the Centre would collaborate with stakeholders to advance research, teaching and training to support the growing offshore wind energy sector.
'ACOWE’s collaborative approach is essential to unlocking Australia’s renewable energy portfolio because no single organisation can deliver the cross-functional support needed by governments, communities and industry,' Professor Chow said.
The initiative aims to develop the labour force by offering training and education in the energy sector, equipping the future workforce with the necessary skills for building and maintaining offshore and onshore infrastructure.
The Centre will be pivotal in driving innovation and developing the skilled workforce needed to support Australia’s transition to a sustainable energy future.
The Centre involves collaboration between the Deakin University, the University of Melbourne, Federation University, the University of Newcastle, the University of Western Australia and the University of Wollongong.
Deakin Associate Professor in Marine Science Daniel Ierodiaconou, steering committee representative on ACOWE, said he was excited by the new venture.
'Deakin University is excited to contribute to Australia's net zero goals through this initiative. By uniting leading experts from various universities, we can tackle the complex challenges of offshore wind energy and ensure our research drives tangible impacts in industry policy, and for our communities.
This is particularly complex in the biodiversity space and ACOWE will have a role in ensuring there is a strong scientific evidence base to inform decision-making and that all developments are socially and ecologically sustainable.'
ACOWE will provide evidence-based community engagement, offer government policy insights, and serve as a research hub and workforce development portal for the industry.
For more information, visit the ACOWE website.
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