On 27 February 2020 Australian Ocean Energy Group sent a response to the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment in regards to the Offshore clean energy infrastructure regulatory framework. Read AOEG’s response for full details.

Executive Summary

As noted in the Annex IV 2016 State of the Science Report: Environmental Effects of Marine Renewable Energy Development Around the World, “The consenting process is still regarded as a barrier for the sector to scale up and become cost-competitive with other forms of electricity generation. Uncertainties about the application of environmental legislation can prolong consenting processes, adding costs, delays, and significant uncertainty.”

The Australia Ocean Energy Group (AOEG) therefore supports both the intent and the principals outlined in the Offshore clean energy infrastructure regulatory framework – Discussion Paper 2020. Within the broad outline of the approach proposed by the Commonwealth’s Discussion paper, AOEG would like to comment on four areas associated with Non-Commercial activities;-

  • Ministerial Declaration of Areas
  • Environmental Assessments
  • Co-location with Existing Offshore Infrastructure
  • Allowance of Off-take Agreements

Each of these topics is explored further in the submission below. AOEG would appreciate the Commonwealth’s consideration of each issue raised as they may have a material impact on the sector’s ability to attract capital in any pre-commercialisation phases. Long, complex and overly-expensive regulatory regimes are a strong disincentive to early-stage investment capital.

Downloads

AOEG Offshore Clean Energy Infrastructure Regulatory Framework (PDF)