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ARTICLE · 13 SEPTEMBER 2021

A tailwind for offshore wind projects: Australian Parliament introduces clean offshore energy bills

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These bills would establish a clear regulatory framework for offshore wind developments in Australia.

AustraliaEnergy and Natural Resources
Jane Hider
Jane Hider
Edward Kelly
Edward Kelly
Tom Mathews
Tom Mathews
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On 2 September 2021, the Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor (the Minister) introduced the much anticipated Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Bill (Main Bill) and Offshore Electricity Infrastructure (Regulatory Levies) Bill 2021 (Levies Bill) into Parliament. If enacted, the bills would unlock some of the existing barriers to development of offshore electricity projects in Commonwealth waters and establish a clear regulatory framework for offshore wind developments in Australia.

Background

Offshore wind has been a well-established and rapidly growing form of renewable energy in many countries for a number of years – with 35 GW now commissioned globally, representing 4.8% of total global wind capacity.1

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