This includes Australia, which is seeking to rapidly transition from coal to renewable energy. The federal government has set a national renewable electricity target of 82pc by 2030, more than double the 38pc it generates today. In order to achieve this goal, Australia aims to significantly expand its wind energy sector.
In 2022, the Australian government announced an area off Gippsland in Victoria would become Australia’s first offshore wind zone. Earlier this year, the first six feasibility licences were announced, and a further six are also set to be announced. These 12 projects together could generate up to 25 GW of electricity, more electricity than the state of Victoria produced last year.
As this is Australia’s first offshore wind project, the country is seeking support from international players to support it in the development stage. This provides untold opportunities for Irish-owned wind-energy companies.
With experience working with the largest global developers, including sectoral leaders such as EDP Renewables and Ørsted, Irish companies are well-placed to support the sector’s growth.
Among the Irish companies leading the way are XOCEAN and Combilift, both of which were among the 150 or so companies that exhibited at Australia Wind Energy 2024 conference which was held in Melbourne on July 10 and 11.
XOCEAN uses uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) to deliver high-quality data services to industries such as offshore wind, civil hydrography and carbon capture and storage.
It has made significant inroads into the Australian market with its successful appointment to Australia’s HydroScheme Industry Partnership Programme to conduct hydrographic surveys and is now opening its technical centre in Melbourne as it seeks to target further growth.
Meanwhile, materials handling experts Combilift have been showcasing its COMBI-LC. This innovative machinery has been specifically developed to meet the intricate load-handling demands of large-scale offshore wind turbine manufacturers.
More than 5,000 people attended the event, which had a strong Irish presence. Environment Minister Eamon Ryan TD virtually addressed the opening session by video. It’s worth noting other Irish exporters are also thriving across the broader green energy sector there.
CoolPlanet, for example, is working to facilitate the electrification of light vehicles used in Australian mines, while Limerick-headquartered VIOTAS’s Demand Response technologies are helping Australian businesses earn revenue by supporting the power grid. Cork-based renewable energy project developer DP Energy has secured development approval from the Australian state of Queensland’s Assessment and Referral Agency for its 430MW Callide wind farm.
As the winds of change sweep through Australia’s energy sector, it’s clear there’s huge opportunity for Irish businesses offering innovative solutions.
Niall Casey is senior market adviser, Industrial and Sustainability, with EI Australia/NZ
