Consultation Opens for WA’s First Offshore Wind Zone
Western Australia is a step closer to an offshore renewable energy sector, with the Federal Government opening consultation on a WA region.
Federal Environment Minister Chris Bowen said the proposed zone 20km off the coast had the potential to unlock thousands of renewable energy jobs and cleaner energy for WA’s resources sector.
The proposed area covers 7674km2 and is at least 20km from the shore. The area is offshore between Dawesville and Cape Naturaliste.
The proposed Bunbury zone is an ideal location for offshore electricity generation because of the high-speed winds in the Indian Ocean, the Minister said.
Its proximity to large energy users and could enable up to 20GW of offshore wind to be developed.
Submissions on the proposed area can be made from today until 3 May 2024, with community forum sessions held from 19 to 21 March 2024 for community members to ask questions and provide feedback on the zone.
Any potential projects will be required to demonstrate their commitment to using Australian manufactured inputs, as well as provide information on use of Australian suppliers and benefits for the local economy such as direct local jobs and training, which will be used by Government in assessing the merits of project licence applications.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union used the announcement to renew its call for stronger local content provisions to ensure offshore wind delivered the promised jobs and economic benefits.
AMWU State Secretary Steve Murphy said workers expected announcements around renewable projects also to deliver good local jobs and a thriving industry.
“Currently, no provisions exist in this project to ensure that Australian produced steel or Australian manufactured goods are included in any projects which proceed in the Bunbury offshore wind zone,” he said.
Minister Bowen said: “Offshore wind will be a critical new clean energy industry for Western Australians as electricity demand increases, helping to provide thousands of jobs along the way.
“We encourage everyone to put in a submission and attend a community consultation session.”
There are several companies with proposed offshore wind projects around the Bunbury region, including Skyborn Renewables, Oceanex, Flotation Energy, Direct Infrastructure and Copenhagen Energy.
If the zone is deemed suitable for offshore wind, proponents will have to develop their projects within the zone area announced by the Government.
Flotation Energy Australia executive director Carolyn Sanders said WA was in the enviable position of having the potential to the lead the development of the offshore wind supply chain in Australia through its ports and manufacturing capabilities.
“An offshore wind industry in Western Australia can significantly support energy intensive industries close to the desired points of connection, including hydrogen production facilities, lithium hydroxide plants, green steel manufacturing and seawater desalination plants,” Ms Saunders said.
“It is close to significant port and fabrication facilities, servicing the defence, marine, oil and gas and resource industries.”
Copenhagen Energy Development Manager, Australia, Joy Francis-Hayes said WA had a growing need for renewables in its future energy mix with the anticipated closure of State-owned coal-fired power stations.
She said there was increasing investor interest in WA’s offshore wind potential.
“There is still considerable work to be done to obtain all planning and licence approvals. This consultation period is just the beginning,” Ms Francis-Hayes said.
“Our project has a lot to offer WA environmentally, socially and economically. It will help the State and Federal Governments achieve their carbon-reduction targets, create new jobs and provide the impetus for regional development using local suppliers.”
Read more on the consultation process and the proposed area here.