TWO OFFSHORE wind projects at Bunbury in Western Australia have been given the development nod by the federal government and one in the Gippsland zone off Victoria has been knocked back.
Climate change and energy minister Chris Bowen announced on 2 June that he had made a final decision not to offer a feasibility licence to Seadragon in the Gippsland zone.
In Western Australia’s Bunbury zone, Mr Bowen has made decisions which will likely see two new offshore wind projects delivering energy for homes and businesses in WA.
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.
In a media release announcing the approval it said if progressed, the project would be more than 30 kilometres offshore with the potential to deliver 1.5 GW of reliable renewable electricity, enough to power about one million homes, and could employ 900 workers during construction with 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 two applicants will now seek to resolve the overlap between them.
Out 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,” the release said.
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.
On the East Coast, in the Hunter offshore wind zone, Novocastrian Wind Pty Ltd has requested additional time to develop their commercial arrangements.
The minister has made a final decision not to offer a feasibility licence to Seadragon in the Gippsland zone.
Mr Bowen said the government was 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.
“In Bunbury, offshore wind has huge potential for jobs, new industry, and clean, reliable renewable energy in the regions which have powered Australia for generations.
“Western Australia needs some 50 GW 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.”