A new partnership between the University of Melbourne and global offshore wind developer Orsted is expected to boost Australia’s transition towards renewable energy.
The Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology signed a memorandum of understanding with Orsted to combine the company’s extensive worldwide expertise with the university’s research capabilities and knowledge of the local marine environment, biodiversity and Indigenous Sea Country to help design and deliver the best offshore wind outcomes in Australia.
Furthermore, the partnership will focus on enhancing the preparedness of students and researchers for careers in the growing renewable energy sector.
“This MOU with Orsted will allow us to play a pivotal role in unlocking the potential of offshore wind energy, with long-term benefits for local communities, the economy and the overall environment,” said Professor Mark Cassidy, dean of the University of Melbourne Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, in a statement welcoming the partnership.
Orsted boasts over 30 years of experience in the development of offshore wind energy projects with wind farms across three continents in Europe, America, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Orsted Australia Director Henriette Holm said the partnership will be built on the strengths of both the university and the company to boost Australia’s offshore wind and renewable energy future.
“With the sharing of expert local and global knowledge, the MOU will help accelerate collaboration around offshore wind opportunities to deliver the best outcomes for Australian communities, workforces, educators, businesses and the environment,” Holm said.
The initial phase of Orsted’s proposed project off the coast of Gippsland, Victoria, is expected to create up to 6,000 jobs, with local workers and students able to tap into its technical knowledge and skills transfer programmes.
“I am excited to work together with Orsted to contribute towards unlocking offshore wind energy in Australia. Extending beyond workforce development, our research capabilities at the University of Melbourne will support Orsted to tackle challenges unique to the Australian development of offshore wind farms,” said Dr Shiaohuey Chow lead of the University of Melbourne.
