Ocean Winds partners with Federation University to develop offshore wind skills

Ocean Winds, an international company dedicated to offshore wind energy and created as a 50-50 joint venture by EDP Renewables and Engie, has formalised a partnership with Federation University through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This strategic partnership combines Federation University’s skills and training excellence with Ocean Winds’ real-world expertise in offshore wind technology and infrastructure, to advance the offshore wind workforce. Together, the two organisations will collaborate to share deep insights across teaching, research and professional development, laying the foundation for the next generation of skilled workers in this emerging sector.

The High Sea Wind project

Ocean Winds holds a licence for the declared offshore wind zone in Gippsland and is progressing the High Sea Wind project. With an expected installed capacity of around 1.3 GW, the High Sea Wind project will generate enough electricity to power one million Victorian households annually whilst preventing up to 5.3 million tons of CO₂ emissions per year.

Supporting this growth, Federation University – through its Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre- serves as a central hub for the delivery of renewable energy training and research across regional Victoria. With offshore wind projects in Gippsland projected to create over 22,000 jobs over the next 10-15 years, expanded training programs and facilities will be essential to building a pipeline of skilled workers for this rapidly growing sector.

“As a regional university embedded in the Gippsland community, we are proud to partner with Ocean Winds to meet the workforce needs of the emerging offshore wind sector and support the region to thrive as it transitions to renewable energy generation,” said professor Duncan Bentley, vice-chancellor and president of Federation University.

Rafael Munilla, chief business development Officer of Ocean Winds, said: “This collaboration marks a significant point in the future of the Australian offshore wind industry. By joining forces with Federation University, we are not only investing in clean energy but also in people who will drive it forward. Together, we are building the skills, knowledge and local opportunities needed to power a successful offshore wind industry in Australia.”

This partnership ensures local communities are equipped to benefit from the clean energy transition.