Australia’s offshore wind industry has reached another milestone, with final feasibility licences offered to three projects off the coast of Western Australia.
Bunbury Offshore Wind and Westward Wind have been offered feasibility licences for projects in the Bunbury offshore wind zone. Acceptance of these offers will allow proponents to commence detailed investigations and consultation under the feasibility licence framework.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said Australia’s emerging offshore wind industry would be a major source of clean energy and regional jobs for years to come.
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“These licences are another important step towards up to 4GW of cleaner energy for Western Australian communities and industries. Offshore wind is a key part of our plan to deliver cleaner, reliable energy and good jobs in WA’s regions,” Minister Bowen said.
“As well as providing reliable, renewable electricity throughout the day, offshore wind can keep generating into the evening, harnessing the consistent, high-speed winds of the Australian coastline.
“Generating cleaner and more reliable electricity in the evening reduces the amount of gas that Australia needs to keep the lights on.
“And harnessing our natural resources also means creating thousands of construction jobs and ongoing maintenance roles in local supply chains, ports and regional communities.
“This is why we are getting on with the job to build an offshore wind industry in Australia.”
Minister Bowen has also opened applications for research and demonstration (R&D) licences that allow trials and testing of offshore renewable technology in Australian waters.
R&D licences will expand Australia’s offshore industry from projects focused on electricity generation using current technology, to developing emerging technologies for future generation projects and building Australian expertise and innovation.
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“Applications for R&D licences are now open for all of Australia’s six offshore wind zones,” Minister Bowen said.
“These licences will give certainty to domestic and international developers, universities and research cooperatives to pioneer new technological advances in Australian waters.
“This will keep Australia squarely in the race for more offshore wind opportunities. These R&D licences give clear signals to domestic and international investors that Australia wants to be home to the next technological advancement when it comes to offshore wind development.”
