⚖️ Local Jobs or Cheap Power? Offshore Wind Faces a Big Choice
Jul 18
2 min read
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Australia’s new offshore wind industry is growing—but it now faces a big question:
Should we focus on creating local jobs, or keeping energy costs low?
Experts say it’s hard to do both at the same time—and some countries have already learned this the hard way.
🚫 What Went Wrong in Taiwan
Patrick Archita from Ramboll, a wind power company, says Taiwan rushed to get cheap wind power, and it worked at first.But later, they tried to force companies to use more local workers and materials. That scared investors away, and many projects stopped.
“You can’t ask for cheap energy and local jobs at the same time,” he said.
🛠️ Australia’s Middle Path
Right now, Australia doesn’t have strict local job rules.Victoria says that from 2032, 80% of the work to keep wind farms running must use local people and companies.
Marie Hegot from Ramboll says a mix is better:Build parts overseas, assemble them here, and train local workers over time.
“Start small, learn as you go, and build up the local supply chain,” she explained.
💰 Government Help Is a Must
If Australia wants to make wind parts locally, the government must help with money and clear plans.Other countries like Japan are giving companies tax breaks and funding to build factories and train workers.
“This takes years. But it’s how you grow a strong industry,” Archita said.
📉 Big Companies Backing Out? It’s Not All Bad
Recently, companies like Equinor and Bluefloat dropped out of some wind projects in Australia.But experts say it’s part of the natural cycle. In the beginning, everyone was excited—now they’re just slowing down to figure out the challenges.
“Australia’s not easy. But this happens everywhere. It’s not the end,” Archita said.
⚙️ Offshore Wind Is Not Like Oil & Gas
Some big oil companies thought building wind farms at sea would be easy—but it’s not.Offshore wind needs many turbines, each with different rules, locations, and steps.It’s more complex, and takes time and patience.
“You can’t rush it. Do it step by step,” Hegot said.
⏳ Still Lots of Questions
In Gippsland, where the first offshore wind projects are starting, there are still lots of unknowns:Which port will they use—Geelong or Hastings?What will the final costs be?How will rules change?
Still, developers are hopeful. A new government auction in Victoria this year will give price support to projects—and that could bring back momentum.
“Developers are busy getting ready. That’s a good sign,” Hegot added.
🌿 EServices4U: Helping You Succeed in Offshore Wind
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💡 Let’s turn wind into power—together.Book a free chat at www.eservices4u.com.au
