The state government has announced work to plan and develop the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal off the Port of Hastings is underway.

Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio and Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne visited the Port of Hastings on Western Port earlier this month for a first look at the area where the terminal will be built.

The government said an investment of $27 million in the latest budget will help create thousands of jobs, generate billions of dollars in investment and create renewable, reliable power for all Victorians from offshore wind farms.

“Offshore wind is a key pillar of Victoria’s renewable energy future.

“It will create thousands of jobs, generate billions in investment and provide more reliable power for all Victorians,” said Minister D’Ambrosio.

As part of its aim to achieve an offshore wind target of at least 2GW by 2032, 4 GW by 2035 and 9 GW by 2040 the government said Victoria will be home to Australia’s first offshore wind farm.

“The Port of Hastings has been selected as the most suitable port to assemble offshore wind infrastructure – with the benefits of large areas of zoned land it is close to existing port precincts, has deep water channels and is close to the offshore wind projects off the coast of Gippsland,” the government stated.

The government said the terminal will undergo a thorough Environment Effects Statement (EES) process allowing the community to make submissions before the project progresses.

The terminal will be built at the Old Tyabb Reclamation Area, which is located within the existing port and industrial zone.

It will be equipped for the receival, assembly and installation of offshore wind foundations, towers and turbines as a multi-user facility, with new berths, heavy duty pavements and major supporting infrastructure.

The Port of Hastings’ strategic importance is outlined in the government’s Victorian Commercial Ports Strategy.

For more information, visit energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/offshore-wind-energy