About offshore wind

What is offshore wind energy?
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Offshore wind (OSW) power is generated from large wind turbines installed out at sea. When the wind blows on the blades of the turbine, it causes them to rotate, driving an electrical generator and producing energy.  

The electricity generated is then transmitted back to the land via undersea cables and distributed via onshore grid infrastructure to power homes, businesses and industry.

How does it work?

• Offshore turbines capture the wind's energy and generate electricity. These turbines are larger and more powerful than onshore wind turbines. The blades can be over 100 metres long and are made to endure high winds. 
• Foundations secure turbines to the ocean floor. Foundations can be fixed-bottom (anchored to the seabed) or floating (moored to the seabed in deeper waters). 
• Cables transport the electricity from the turbines to the offshore substations. 
• Offshore substations collect the power generated by the turbines and prepare it for transmission to shore via underwater cables. 
  
• Onshore substations connect the electricity supplied by the offshore wind farm to the onshore grid. 
  
• Control systems manage the operation of the turbines, monitor the performance of the substructures and foundations, and ensure the safety of the entire system. These systems use advanced sensors and communication technologies to collect and analyse data in real time. 
  

The benefits of offshore wind

Wind at sea is generally stronger and more consistent when compared to land. Analysis of the wind profiles offshore from Victoria demonstrates we have some of the best offshore wind resources in the world.  

Offshore wind is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy technologies. More and more countries are turning to offshore wind as part of their renewable energy transition.

In conventional power stations, fossil fuels like coal and gas are burned to heat water, producing high-pressure steam that can drive a turbine and, in turn, an electrical generator.  

Unfortunately, this also produces carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions, and relies on finite resources.

In a wind turbine, the rotation is achieved through the clean, natural, and ultimately unlimited power of the wind.

For more information on offshore wind energy, visit the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action website.