In Western Australia’s Bunbury offshore wind zone, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy has made decisions which will likely see two new offshore wind projects delivering clean 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 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.
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The Minister has also shortlisted two projects: one from Westward Wind and an additional project from Bunbury Offshore Wind 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.
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.
Minister Bowen underscored the importance of the declared area in strengthening WA’s renewable energy future.
“The Albanese Government is securing Australia’s energy future with the offshore wind industry the former Coalition Government promised but failed to deliver—and Western Australia is key to our plans,” he said.
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“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 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.”
