Offshore Renewables Legislation Enters Into Force

Original article published by NOPSEMA

The Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act 2021 (OEI Act) has come into effect, extending our regulatory remit to include oversight of the offshore renewables industry.

Under the OEI Act, the Offshore Infrastructure Regulator has responsibilities for overseeing work health and safety, infrastructure integrity, environmental management and financial security for offshore infrastructure activities

The legislation provides regulatory and investment certainty for industry and from today, proponents will require authorisation to conduct activities that include the construction, installation, operation, maintenance or decommissioning of offshore renewable energy infrastructure and offshore electricity transmission infrastructure as defined under the OEI Act.

In taking on our new role we look forward to continuing our work with industry, government and community stakeholders and overseeing the safe and environmentally responsible establishment of the offshore renewables sector in Australia.