The University of Newcastle will play a key role in supporting the growing offshore wind energy sector after becoming a partner in the new Australian Centre of Offshore Wind Energy.
The centre is a collaboration between the University of Melbourne, the University of Western Australia, the University of Newcastle, Deakin University, Federation University, and the University of Wollongong.
It aims to develop the labour force by offering training and education in the energy sector, which will equip the future workforce with the necessary skills for building and maintaining offshore and onshore infrastructure.
"We are delighted to be part of the Australian Centre for Offshore Wind Energy. Through this Centre, our researchers will play a critical role in advancing next generation technologies and ensuring our communities are engaged as part of the transition to a sustainable energy future," University of Newcastle Vice Chancellor Alex Zelinsky said.
Newcastle is strategically placed in the region to deliver cutting edge research and training in key fields including social and economic science, ocean and geotechnical engineering, marine and coastal science, structural monitoring, electrical and renewable energy engineering.
The centre will drive development and remove knowledge barriers, making Australia a prime location for offshore wind energy investment.
It will also provide evidence-based community engagement, offer government policy insights, and serve as a research hub and workforce development portal for the industry.
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.
University of Newcastle School of Engineering Professor Anna Giacomini said: "By enhancing research collaboration between the Australian universities involved, ACOWE will offer excellent opportunities to improve knowledge, drive development and train the next generation of workers for the future offshore wind and renewable energy industry in Australia."
The federal government awarded a preliminary feasibility licence to the Equinor-Oceanex partnership in June.
The licence covers an area at the southern end of the zone. Significantly, it is away from Port Stephens and located primarily off the coast of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
The area represents about 40 per cent of the zone, which was formally declared a year ago.
If it proceeds it could generate over 2 gigawatts of electricity, equivalent to powering 1.2 million homes or two Tomago smelters.
The community consultation process conducted in the lead-up to the creation of Australia's offshore wind zones will be scrutinised in an upcoming Senate inquiry.
It follows significant criticism of the offshore wind consultation process by Hunter and Illawarra communities.
Among other issues, the inquiry will look at the consultation process used for the offshore wind zones, the level of community engagement, the consent of traditional owners and the impacts on marine life.
