In 2023 NSW Ports released concept plans for a large-scale port facility at the Port Kembla Outer Harbour which demonstrate how the port can be used to support the rapidly emerging offshore wind industry over the coming years. Situated in an area identified by the New South Wales State Government as a designated Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), and adjacent to the Australian Government proposed Illawarra offshore wind zone, the project would firmly position Port Kembla as a key enabler in the State’s transition to a net zero emissions, clean energy future. The port already handles renewable energy components to support the development of onshore wind and solar farms.
A strategic priority in NSW Ports’ sustainability strategy is to ‘Champion Decarbonization’. As one of New South Wales key trade gateways, we understand the critical role we play in supporting the clean energy transition. In addition to efforts we are taking to reduce emissions associated with our own operations, this project is one way we are demonstrating that our commitment goes further than that. Port Kembla is in the heart of the Illawarra’s industrial ecosystem and close to Greater Sydney’s growing population. Delivering this infrastructure will help bring the scale of renewable energy capacity required to transform the region into a renewable energy powerhouse.
At a recent clean energy expo held in Australia’s capital city Canberra, NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas said “Our proposed offshore wind facility provides an opportunity for significant job creation, domestic innovation and decarbonization. But we need to act now to support these types of renewable energy opportunities. Delivering this type of major infrastructure in time requires substantial and ongoing collaboration between Government, private enterprise, industry and the community over the coming years. That’s precisely why we’re all gathering in the nation’s capital today to demonstrate to decision makers that the Illawarra is united and ready to develop and help deliver Australia’s renewable future.”