There are strong winds of change off the coast of Bunbury, Western Australia (WA) as the Australian Government takes a significant step forward in developing the nation’s offshore wind industry. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has announced preliminary feasibility licence decisions for the Indian Ocean region near Bunbury.
The Bunbury Offshore Wind Project North has successfully progressed to the next stage of development. If fully realised, this project could generate enough clean energy to power one million homes, while also creating hundreds of jobs and injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into the regional economy.
Two additional projects have also been shortlisted; the Bunbury Offshore Wind Project South and the Westward Wind Project. These projects overlap geographically, and developers are now working to resolve these overlaps before the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Hon Chris Bowen MP, considers issuing feasibility licences.
Importantly, no feasibility licences have been granted yet. The final decision will depend on consultations with First Nations groups under the Native Title Act 1993, ensuring that traditional custodians are respected and involved in the process. If licences are granted, a Bunbury Offshore Wind Industry Committee will be established.
Offshore wind is a key component of the Albanese Governments energy strategy and net-zero emission target.
A strong offshore wind industry in WA will support energy security, local manufacturing, and regional development.