The Albanese Labor government has awarded the Equinor-Oceanex Energy Hunter Offshore Wind project a feasibility license, securing the Hunter’s jobs and energy future.
The project, Novocastrian Wind, will be located 22 kilometres minimum off the coast of the Hunter, and has the potential to deliver 2 gigawatts of renewable electricity - enough to power more than a million homes.
Equinor-Oceanex will now have 7 years to develop a management plan and prove the economic and environmental benefit. This process will require thorough and ongoing community consultation and environmental assessments.
Hunter Workers, the central organisation for workers in the Hunter region, welcomes the project and its myriad benefits for workers. If successful, the Hunter offshore wind project will create thousands of jobs while supporting local manufacturing, skills development, and economic diversity for our region.
Novocastrian Wind is required to maximise its use of local supply chains, industries and workers, ensuring benefit to Hunter communities and businesses.
Additionally, a Hunter Wind Industry Committee has been established to maximise economic and social benefits, comprising of government, First Nations groups, local industry, and Union representatives.