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Hi Dave, thanks for your great question. As you’d be aware, offshore turbines are typically white and there are a couple of reasons for this. White is a neutral colour and is considered to be less visible. Additionally, white does not absorb heat / UV. As the turbines are made from metal, any excess heat absorption would cause them to expand and deform. 

The colour of the turbines is typically defined by navigation, aviation and related safety regulators such as the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). We expect that as part of the planning and approvals process guidance would be given on the colour. The boat landings and transition pieces are typically yellow for increased visibility and safety. 

Regarding lights on the turbines, this is dependent on requirements from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, AMSA and other bodies that govern the safety regulations of the water. Lighting would be required for visibility and safety, however the extent is still being determined at this stage of the project. Thanks again for your question.  

Hi, we haven’t signed a Power Purchase Agreement at this stage. We’re currently still in the feasibility phase of the project with several studies underway to understand the wind and site conditions. Thanks for your questions and be sure to follow our progress as we continue our studies.

Hi Tim, thanks for getting in touch. The Star of the South is a private company comprised of Australian founders and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners – a global leader in offshore wind (funded by pension/superannuation funds). At this stage the project is not looking to make public investment opportunities available. Thanks again for your interest.  

Hi Jason,

Thanks for your question.

It's still early days on the project and we're now doing site investigations to confirm the project's feasibility and what's involved to bring offshore wind to Australia. If everything goes right with our studies, approvals and business case, the earliest construction could start is around 2023 (although that is an ambitious timeframe for what is potentially such a big project). If we met this date, we could start to generate power in 2025 building up to full power by 2027.

A good place to start for advice on training and opportunities on wind projects would be the Clean Energy Council. They are running a webinar next week on Renewable Energy Jobs in Australia. Here is the link: https://unimelb.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uIDw_dwzRfac7ODoI37tTQ

Federation University now also offer some training in this space: https://study.federation.edu.au/#/course/WING

Offshore wind projects also typically require people with skills in the electrical (high voltage) and marine areas.

Best of luck with your future endeavours!

Hi Simon, 

Thanks so much for your question - this is a very important consideration for us. 

We are now monitoring marine and bird life in the area to build an understanding of the bird species present. This includes bird surveys and tagging so we can track their movements and behaviour. 

We're also talking with government agencies, researchers, and others to gather existing data where it is available. The information we collect will inform assessments for the project's Environment Impact Statement / Environment Effects Statement. This is where we look at what the effects of building and operating an offshore wind farm in this specific environment could be. 

Our assessment will include a bird collision risk model which is used to predict possible impacts to birds based on what we know about their flight, nesting, feeding, breeding, and migratory patterns. What we find can influence things like turbine dimensions and placement within the site, and the type of methods or technologies used to avoid, reduce or manage potential impacts. We are using best practice technologies such as digital aerial surveys, as used by UK offshore wind farms, to determine the type and number of birds present offshore during different seasons. 

These surveys started in January and we will collect at least 12 months of data. If you have more questions or would like to have a chat to the team about this, feel free to call us on 1800 340 340.

Hi Dean,

Thanks for your question. 

It's still early days and we're currently doing site investigations to confirm the project's feasibility and what's involved in bringing offshore wind to Australia. If everything goes right with our studies, approvals and business case, the earliest construction could start is around 2023 (although that is an ambitious timeframe for what is potentially such a big project). If we met this date, we could start to generate power in 2025 building up to full power by 2027. 

We are currently building our understanding of capabilities in the market and are in the process of establishing a supplier registration portal. We'll have more information about this in the coming weeks. 

If you'd like to send us an email we can ensure you receive an update when this information is available. You can also follow us on LInkedIn. 

Hi Anand

Thanks for getting in touch.

We are currently building our understanding of capabilities in the market and are in the process of establishing a supplier registration portal. We'll have more information about this in the coming weeks. If you'd like to send us an email we can ensure you receive an update when this information is available. You can also follow us on LInkedIn.

Thanks for your interest in the project. 

Hi John, thanks for your question.

We are currently working through a business case to further develop the project. This will help us understand the project cost, rates of production and potential savings to consumers. There are lots of variables that impact the calculations including wind speed, seabed conditions, number of turbines, access to supply chains, port and harbour logistics, finance structures and ongoing operating costs for offshore wind in Australia. We’re still investigating some of these aspects and expect to have a better overview later this year - keep following us for updates.

Hi Paul,

Thanks for getting in touch.

Offshore wind is globally recognised as a significant source of energy and is today a major contributor to the energy mix in many countries including the UK, Denmark, Germany and France. Offshore wind is also taking off in the United States, Canada and throughout Asia. We believe it has a lot to offer Australia. 

The Star of the South has the potential to generate enough electricity for 1.2 million homes - or around 18% of Victoria's energy needs - while also creating jobs during construction and operations. 

Historical wind data and our on-site wind monitoring to date shows there is a strong, reliable and unique wind resource off the south coast of Gippsland. 

We believe that a diverse mix of generators helps create a resilient and reliable energy system, and that offshore wind has a role to play in that mix here in Victoria. 

The average life span of a turbine is around 25 years, although this can be extended dependent on maintenance and local conditions. Turbines are currently around 90% recyclable. One manufacturer, Vestas is pledging zero waste turbines by 2040. 

The video you've linked to has been removed from YouTube - if you'd like to send us another link please do so.

Hi Claudio, thanks for getting in touch. The Star of the South is a private company comprised of Australian founders and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners – a global leader in offshore wind (funded by pension/superannuation funds). At this stage the project is not looking to make public investment opportunities available. Thanks again for your interest.