It’s part political drama, part slapstick comedy, part the theatre of the absurd – and if it weren’t so dangerous, it would be the blackest of black humour.
Among the many aspects of Trump 2.0’s fast and loose political agenda has been his attack on renewables, which he has approached with fossil fuels and no doubt a few of his buddies firmly tucked in his back pocket.
Whether it’s railing against wind turbines for creating bird graveyards (actually, cats and fossil fuels kill more birds), causing cancer because of the noise, simply ruining the view or committing to bringing back coal like it’s a retro fashion trend, Trump’s decisions reach well beyond US borders.
Trump’s 2025 energy agenda aggressively reverses support for renewables, slashes subsidies for wind and solar, and opens the door wide for oil, gas, and coal. This will slow US clean energy deployment and chill investor confidence globally.
This kind of policy reversal in the world’s largest economy doesn’t stay contained; it distorts global markets, reduces investor confidence, weakens supply chains, and threatens the international pace of clean energy deployment.
For countries like Australia, which are seeking to modernise energy grids and attract investment in clean energy, Trump’s pro-fossil fuel stance will clearly have an impact – but to what extent is hard to say.
Offshore wind projects, including ambitious developments like the Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm, rely on international capital, stable policy settings, and global supply chains. This all gets thrown into question when Trump swings the wrecking ball of energy policy populism.
For Australia, the implications go far beyond geopolitics; they go to the heart of our national energy transition.
While Australia’s clean energy future is largely powered by domestic policy, Trump’s stance on renewables has already sent shockwaves through global energy markets with the potential to impact Australia’s ability to secure investment, scale offshore wind, and maintain energy reliability as coal and gas are phased out.
Australia’s renewable energy system is not directly subsidised or controlled by the US. Investment in solar, onshore wind, and battery storage is domestically sourced from federal and state initiatives, private equity, and superannuation funds. Agencies like ARENA, CEFC, and AEMO ensure steady local momentum.
However, as Australia moves into offshore wind and advanced grid infrastructure, reliance on foreign capital, global supply chains, and multinational expertise increases. In these areas, the shockwaves of US policy shifts become much more immediate and tangible.
Global companies spooked by US instability are departing riskier offshore markets, including Australia.
Norwegian energy giant Equinor recently pulled out of its Bass Strait project, while Blue Float Energy has abandoned a proposed $10 billion Victorian offshore wind farm in Gippsland, prompting fears Australia may not reach its renewable energy targets.
The latter has withdrawn from offshore wind on a global scale, after major shareholder Quantum Capital said it was no longer commercially viable to invest in the sector.
Equinor has so far proved reluctant to commit to its remaining Australian project, Novocastrian Wind near Newcastle, despite being offered a second extension to accept a feasibility licence – and executives from the company’s partner in the project, Oceanex, have publicly drawn the linkages between project delays and Trump-led disruption in the US offshore wind market.
And because many wind, grid-scale battery, and smart system components are produced by US firms impacted by funding support, declining innovation and production may mean longer lead times and higher costs for Australian projects.
Equally, the US leads in renewable R&D, including offshore turbine design, hydrogen systems, and grid management, and less government support might stall progress and force Australia to adopt outdated technologies.
One of Australia’s most ambitious offshore wind ventures is the Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm, 30km off the coast of WA. The 4,000 square kilometre zone could generate up to 11.4 GW, which is enough to power the entire South West grid. This is exactly the kind of project Australia needs.
Its contribution is significant as it fills the gap left by retiring coal generators, creating nearly 1,400 jobs in Collie, while supporting WA’s goal of 50 GW in new clean capacity by 2042.
Despite this, Bunbury is vulnerable. Global wind developers are starting to consider Australia as a sovereign risk amid cost blowouts, global inflation, and political uncertainty. With deep waters requiring floating wind technology, and costs 30 to 40 per cent higher than fixed turbines, sustained investment is critical.
Australia is racing to replace retiring coal plants and decarbonise its economy. Offshore wind, alongside renewable firming and grid upgrades, is central to meeting future energy demand reliably and affordably.
But if international partners pull back or delay, the knock-on effects are serious, with delays in project delivery and cost overruns, which mean gaps in the grid and an increased reliance on ageing gas assets or emergency imports.
A slowdown in offshore development jeopardises Australia’s ability to meet its Net Zero commitments, manage demand growth, and keep the grid stable.
We can embrace a few important initiatives to mitigate this impact, however, by de-risking offshore wind wherever possible. We can employ targeted public investment, fast-track grid integration and port upgrades, back R&D and domestic manufacturing to reduce exposure to global supply fluctuations, and shore up local financial capacity through superannuation funds,
green bonds, and sovereign support.
Offshore wind is no longer speculative; it’s essential. Projects like the one planned for Bunbury represent Australia’s best shot at building a modern, stable and clean grid – but without swift and strategic support, the spectre of the Trump agenda could pull the plug on progress.
