RINA’s Post

The latest instalment of our series showing the people behind the renewables build, right across Australia. #energisingaustralia

The diversity of jobs in renewables is exciting.

On April 11, 2024, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released its final Renewable Energy Rule, which updates regulations to incentivize and expedite wind and solar energy development on public lands. The final rule r𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐬, 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐋𝐌’𝐬 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 for how the BLM will administer future solar and wind project authorizations.   The final rule codifies further reductions in acreage rents which were initially published through the Energy Act of 2020 and reduces capacity fees by up to 80 percent, in comparison to the rates under the previous 2016 rule. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐰-𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟑𝟓 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝟐𝟎 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟑𝟖 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 – improving financial predictability for developers pursuing long-term projects on public land. The rule will go into effect 60 days after publication in the federal register.   The BLM is also in the process of updating its Solar Energy Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), also referred to as the Western Solar Plan. When finalized, the Western Solar Plan will work in tandem with the final rule to provide an up-front land use planning process for the agency and stakeholders to identify areas that are most suitable for large-scale solar development across the western U.S. This effort will inform the implementation of the final rule by 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐋𝐌 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. Wood's Project Development & Engineering team has extensive experience working with the BLM. Reach out to me if you require any assistance developing projects on public lands! #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #ProjectDevelopment #BLM #ProjectDueDiligence #Consulting #DesignTheFuture

Have Your Say: Offshore Renewable Energy (SC-DMAP) For the South East The Department of Environment Climate & Communications has identified four maritime areas—A, B, C, and D—for development within the next decade. Area A, located approximately 12.4 km from the Copper Coast in County Waterford, is targeted for development by 2030. This area if successfully auctioned and developed, could host approx. 60 no. 15 MW wind turbines, contributing 900 MW towards the total capacity. Come along on 30 MAY IONAD POBAIL NA RINNE, AN RINN DROP IN EVENT from 6pm – 7.30pm to find out more. The draft South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan for Offshore Renewable Energy (SC-DMAP) is the first sub-national, forward maritime spatial plan for offshore renewable energy proposed by the State. It will provide for the sustainable development of offshore wind through consideration of environmental protection and existing marine users and activities. For the executive Summary compiled by the D&WW Chamber on the draft plan see https://buff.ly/3x4AHX3 Have your say on Ireland’s opportunity for offshore wind The draft SC-DMAP and its associated environmental assessments - Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) - are available for public consultation from until 14 June 2024. During this time you are invited to make submissions which will inform possible revisions to the draft SC-DMAP. Written submissions should be sent by email to southcoastdmap@decc.gov.ie or by post to: International and Offshore Energy Division, South Coast DMAP Submission, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, 29-31 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2, D02 X285. For Full details https://buff.ly/3wXPlPV The closing date for submissions is 5.00pm on 14 June 2024. Have your say on Ireland’s first draft spatial plan for offshore wind energy. The South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) identifies a number of proposed areas for future offshore wind deployment off the south coast. #Dungarvan #Waterford #windenergy #publicconsultation #development #engagement #renewable #energy #offshore

Six offshore wind projects have secured feasibility licenses for Australia's first offshore wind zone off Gippsland, bringing the nation's renewable energy goals closer to reality. Charles Rattray, CEO of Southerly Ten, whose company received two licenses, highlighted the strong community support in Gippsland for these initiatives. The winning projects include High Sea Wind, Gippsland Skies, Blue Mackerel North, Kut-Wut Brataualung, Ørsted Offshore Australia 1, and Star of the South Wind Farm. These licenses enable developers to conduct environmental assessments, geotechnical surveys, and further consultations. Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, will announce this development at the Energy Users of Australia Association annual conference. He noted the overwhelming response to the offshore wind zone, with 37 applications for the 15,000 square kilometer area off Gippsland. The government plans to issue six additional licenses to Iberdrola Australia OW 2, Greater Gippsland 2 OWP Project, Navigator North Project, Ørsted Offshore Australia 1 (Gippsland 02), Kent Offshore Wind, and Great Eastern Offshore Wind Farm Project Co., pending revisions to their applications to avoid project overlaps. Unfortunately, 25 other applicants, including Floatation Energy's Seadragon project, were not granted licenses, despite prior federal recognition. #AustraliaOffshoreWind #GippslandWindZone #AustraliaEnergy Source: ABC News Australia

Navigating the Future of Offshore Wind Energy! As the demand for renewable energy grows, offshore wind farms are expanding further from the coast, necessitating the use of floating vessels. Unlike jack-up vessels, floating vessels enable operations in deeper waters, opening new possibilities for sustainable energy. However, these advancements come with unique challenges. Installing secondary steel structures through tight clearances from a floating vessel requires precision and innovative installation aids to ensure protection and accuracy. At The Square, we have successfully navigated these challenges, leveraging our expertise to deliver reliable and efficient offshore wind installations. Our advanced solutions and innovative approaches make us the ideal partner for your next offshore wind project. Ready to take your offshore wind installations to the next level? Let's connect and explore how we can support your journey towards a sustainable future. #offshore #offshorewind #designengineering #innovative #TheSquare #fabrication #installationaids #installationtools

#Ireland’s Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, on Friday published the draft South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP), which identifies four areas off the country’s south coast proposed for development of offshore renewable energy over the next decade. This is the country’s first spatial plan for renewable energy at sea and it will now undergo a six-week public consultation. The draft South Coast DMAP suggests a first #offshorewind project, of around 900 MW, will occur in Tonn Nua off the coast of County Waterford, with deployment aimed for by 2030. “We can now plan to run an auction, and the winners can then proceed to deal with a brand-new purpose-developed regulator (MARA) before applying to An Bord Pleanála for development permission,” Ryan said. The government also published on Friday the draft terms and conditions for the Tonn Nua offshore wind #auction, also known as ORESS (Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme) 2.1. The auction is envisaged to start before the end of 2024. Wind Energy Ireland (WEI), which represents the Irish wind industry, welcomed the publication of proposed locations for offshore wind farms off the south coast. “Today [May 3] is a genuinely historic day for the development of offshore wind energy in Ireland and clears the way for a second offshore wind auction before the end of the year,” said WEI CEO Noel Cunniffe. The other areas are Li Ban, also off the coast of County Waterford, and Manannan and Danu, both off the south coast of County Wexford. The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications said the four maritime areas have been identified after a comprehensive environmental assessment process and an almost year-long engagement with coastal communities and stakeholders. According to an independent economic analysis, the South Coast DMAP could deliver inward investment of EUR 4.4 billion (USD 4.7bn) and an estimated 49,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) years of employment. Ryan earlier last week also unveiled the Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy, which sets out the pathway to delivering 20 GW of offshore wind by 2040 and at least 37 GW by 2050. https://lnkd.in/dMwnJeen

Exciting news for the renewable energy industry! The Outer Dowsing offshore wind farm's Development Consent Order application has been accepted, bringing us closer to a greener future. Spearheaded by TotalEnergies, Corio Generation, and Gulf Energy Development, the project promises to deliver 1500MW of clean power from 100 turbines off the Lincolnshire coast. What's even more impressive is the project's adaptability. After rigorous consultations and feedback, the team has fine-tuned designs to mitigate environmental and navigational concerns, showcasing a commitment to both sustainability and community engagement. Chris Jenner, the project's Development Director, rightly celebrates this milestone, emphasising the teamwork and community support that made it possible. Plus, the potential economic boost, with over £2bn in UK investment and local job creation, is hard to ignore. As the project moves into the examination stage, independent inspectors will ensure it meets regulatory standards while inviting public input. It's a promising step toward a greener future, where everyone has a say in shaping it. Let's continue to support innovative and sustainable projects like this. #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #GreenFuture https://lnkd.in/em2-dx_2

AUSTRALIA GRANTS LICENCES FOR SIX OFFSHORE WIND FARMS Australia's federal government has granted feasibility licences to six offshore wind farm projects in the Gippsland region of Victoria. The licences will allow developers to conduct environmental and geotechnical surveys in the designated wind farm zone, paving the way for their construction. The successful projects, including proposals from companies such as Ørsted and Iberdrola, have the potential to deliver 25 GW of generation capacity - exceeding Victoria's current capacity and will compensate for the country's phase-out of coal-fired power. The wind farms are expected to create 15,000 jobs during construction and 7,500 permanent positions thereafter. This aligns with Victoria's ambitious targets for offshore wind, aiming for at least 2 GW by 2032 and 9 GW by 2040. Australia's Climate Change and Energy Minister, Chris Bowen, hailed the milestone, stating that the new clean energy industry will deliver reliable renewables and secure jobs for the Gippsland region. ⚡ Follow MPS (Modern Power Systems) for all the latest news daily from the global power generation industry ⚡ #MPS #power #energy #powergeneration #windenergy #renewableenergy

Have Your Say: Offshore Renewable Energy (SC-DMAP) For the South East The Department of Environment Climate & Communications has identified four maritime areas—A, B, C, and D—for development within the next decade. Area A, located approximately 12.4 km from the Copper Coast in County Waterford, is targeted for development by 2030. This area if successfully auctioned and developed, could host approx. 60 no. 15 MW wind turbines, contributing 900 MW towards the total capacity. The draft South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan for Offshore Renewable Energy (SC-DMAP) is the first sub-national, forward maritime spatial plan for offshore renewable energy proposed by the State. It will provide for the sustainable development of offshore wind through consideration of environmental protection and existing marine users and activities. For the executive Summary compiled by the D&WW Chamber on the draft plan see https://buff.ly/3x4AHX3 Have your say on Ireland’s opportunity for offshore wind The draft SC-DMAP and its associated environmental assessments - Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) - are available for public consultation from until 14 June 2024. During this time you are invited to make submissions which will inform possible revisions to the draft SC-DMAP. Written submissions should be sent by email to southcoastdmap@decc.gov.ie or by post to: International and Offshore Energy Division, South Coast DMAP Submission, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, 29-31 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2, D02 X285. For Full details https://buff.ly/3wXPlPV The closing date for submissions is 5.00pm on 14 June 2024. Have your say on Ireland’s first draft spatial plan for offshore wind energy. The South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) identifies a number of proposed areas for future offshore wind deployment off the south coast. #Dungarvan #Waterford #windenergy #publicconsultation #development #engagement #renewable #energy #offshore