Seabed surveys at Star of the South, Australia’s first offshore wind project, are set to begin in March.
According to the project developer, specialists will carry out the seabed studies from Lakes Entrance using the vessel Silver Star.
The surveys include mapping the seafloor, measuring water depths and identifying any buried infrastructure such as cables. Data collected will help inform the wind farm design.
Star of the South Wind Farm Pty Ltd. also revealed it is undertaking site investigations on land to gather information on the local environment and conditions.
Over approximately three weeks in March, soil testing across Gippsland will be done to find out more about the ground conditions in the area.
Data collected will help inform the project’s feasibility, and initial planning and design work.
The company revealed it is setting up an office in Gippsland and will be checking out potential locations and spaces over the coming weeks.
Star of the South could comprise up to 250 turbines with a combined capacity of up to 2GW.
The project is a joint development by Australia’s Offshore Energy and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP).