Origin Energy is considering developing an offshore wind project in Gippsland, swelling the number of developers eyeing up the sector that has been earmarked by states and the federal government as critical if Australia to meet its lofty climate ambitions.

A plethora of some of the world’s largest renewable energy developers are considering offshore wind developments in Victoria, though less than five are likely to be permitted. Each is hoping to capitalise on Victoria’s ambitious plan of having offshore wind account for 20 per cent of its energy needs by the end of the decade.