The Federal Government is powering up offshore wind in Western Australia, establishing the industry’s next steps.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, has made key decisions that will likely see two new offshore wind projects deliver clean energy for homes and businesses in the state.
In the northern part of the declared area, a preliminary decision to offer a feasibility licence to Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm Pty Ltd has been made.
If progressed, the project would be more than 30km offshore and has the potential to deliver 1.5GW of reliable renewable electricity – enough to power about one million homes. The project is expected to employ up to 900 workers during construction and create 450 ongoing jobs.
The Minister has also shortlisted two projects – one from Westward Wind Pty Ltd and an additional project from Bunbury Offshore Wind Pty Ltd – for a preliminary feasibility licence in the southern area of the zone. The applicants will now seek to resolve the overlap between them.
The Federal Government said that of the three projects, it is likely that the two applicants will progress one project each to the next stage of the development process, where the Minister will consider offering a feasibility license.
A feasibility licence gives the developer the opportunity to investigate their proposed offshore wind project before they can apply for a commercial licence to begin construction. It is the first step in a multi-year process which requires ongoing community consultation and engagement.
A Bunbury Offshore Wind Industry Committee – comprised of representatives from the companies, government, First Nations groups, local industry and unions – will be established to oversee projects and ensure local benefits for workers, industries and the regional economy are delivered.
In the Hunter offshore wind zone in New South Wales’ east coast, Novocastrian Wind Pty Ltd has requested additional time to develop its commercial arrangements in order to deliver the best outcome for the Hunter community.
In Victoria, Mr Bowen has also made a final decision not to offer a feasibility licence to Seadragon in the Gippsland zone.
The Federal Government said it is working with the emerging industry on improving the regulatory framework and reducing barriers to development. This includes investigating how to create greater flexibility for proving financial security, establishing arrangements for data sharing, and enabling public comments on management plans for commercial projects.
Mr Bowen said the Bunbury declared area was important in strengthening Western Australia’s renewable energy future.
“The Federal Government is securing Australia’s energy future with the offshore wind industry – and Western Australia is key to our plans,” he said.
“In Bunbury, offshore wind has huge potential for jobs, new industry, and clean, reliable renewable energy in the regions that have powered Australia for generations.
“Western Australia needs some 50GW of additional generation by 2042, and we’re getting to work making sure that we deliver the new clean energy, and the good jobs, the west needs.”
Federal Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson, said an offshore wind industry would contribute to the future energy needs for Western Australians powered by reliable renewables.
“This is another demonstration of our government’s commitment to building a cleaner, more affordable, and reliable renewable energy system, while unlocking new employment and economic opportunities for Western Australia’s south-west region,” Mr Wilson said.
“Bunbury is an industrial and economic powerhouse, and we’re committed to helping households and businesses in the region have access to more affordable, cleaner energy.”
