The University of Newcastle will play a key role in supporting the growing offshore wind energy sector after being named a key partner of the new Australian Centre of Offshore Wind Energy (ACOWE) on 30 July.

As a newcomer to Australia’s renewable energy portfolio, offshore wind faces several significant challenges including a complex regulatory environment, social acceptance, workforce shortages, environmental management, supply chain gaps, and the need for site-specific engineering. These challenges, if not addressed promptly, could become roadblocks to progress.

The Australian Centre for Offshore Wind Energy is a collaboration between the University of Melbourne, the University of Western Australia, the University of Newcastle, Deakin University, Federation University, and the University of Wollongong.

The initiative aims to develop the labour force by offering training and education in the energy sector, which will equip the future workforce with the necessary skills for building and maintaining offshore and onshore infrastructure.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky said, “We are delighted to be part of the Australian Centre for Offshore Wind Energy. Through this Centre, our researchers will play a critical role in advancing next generation technologies and ensuring our communities are engaged as part of the transition to a sustainable energy future.”

“The University of Newcastle is strategically placed in the region to deliver cutting edge research and high-quality training in several fields directly linked to the offshore wind energy field, such as social and economic science, ocean and geotechnical engineering, marine and coastal science, structural monitoring, electrical and renewable energy engineering,” Professor Zelinsky said.

The Centre will drive development and remove knowledge barriers, making Australia a prime location for offshore wind energy investment. ACOWE will provide evidence-based community engagement, offer government policy insights, and serve as a research hub and workforce development portal for the industry.

ACOWE Director and University of Melbourne Associate Professor Shiaohuey Chow said the Centre will collaborate with stakeholders to advance research, teaching and training to support the growing offshore wind energy sector.

“ACOWE’s collaborative approach is essential to unlocking Australia’s renewable energy portfolio because no single organisation can deliver the cross-functional support needed by governments, communities and industry,” Professor Chow said.

University of Newcastle School of Engineering Professor Anna Giacomini said, “By enhancing research collaboration between the Australian universities involved, ACOWE will offer excellent opportunities to improve knowledge, drive development and train the next generation of workers for the future offshore wind and renewable energy industry in Australia.”