EnergyAustralia has joined the race to develop offshore wind farms off Victoria's coast.

Australia’s third-biggest electricity and gas retailer has joined with four others in the Elanora Offshore project. 

This initiative aims to replace ageing coal generators by establishing a massive five-gigawatt wind project off the Gippsland coast.

The project will feature 21-megawatt turbines, positioned far offshore to minimise visibility from the coast. 

KIMAenergy leads the venture, with extensive global offshore development experience.

The consortium also includes Polpo Investments, known for grid-scale solar projects, and Respect Energy, a European energy trader.

Around 37 proposals have been submitted to the government for Gippsland wind farms, but only five or six are expected to secure licences. The region boasts ideal conditions and government support.

EnergyAustralia, a major coal power generator, sees offshore wind as a clean energy source to replace retiring coal capacity.

Elanora plans two 2.5GW phases, with the first phase operational by 2032. Licensing decisions are expected by November, with potential negotiations for overlapping areas.

More details are accessible here.