WA Government support for Leeuwin offshore wind farm
Danish renewable energy experts Copenhagen Energy has received the backing of the WA Government as it progresses plans for its Leeuwin Offshore Wind Farm project.
The project has been awarded Lead Agency status by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
The Lead Agency Framework is reserved for significant projects with the capacity to deliver jobs and development opportunities for the State.
It provides projects with a single point of entry to the State Government and assistance with approvals processes across government agencies, including Federal and local authorities.
The Leeuwin wind farm is planned for Commonwealth waters between Mandurah and Bunbury.
It will comprise up to 200 turbines, and six sub-stations, connected to land-based transmission stations and will deliver 3GW of electricity a year, enough to power three million homes and businesses. It will offset more than six million tonnes of CO2 each year.
Copenhagen Energy Development Manager, Australia, Joy Francis-Hayes, who participated in the Energy Club’s April panel discussion, the State of Renewables in WA, said achieving support under the Lead Agency Framework was an exciting milestone for the Leeuwin project.
Green hydrogen company Frontier Energy, whose Chief Executive Officer Sam Lee Mohan also took part in the panel discussion, was awarded Lead Agency
status in November 2022 for its Bristol Springs Renewables Energy Project.
At the time, Mr Mohan said: “Being awarded lead agency status is a strong endorsement from the WA Government, as this highlights the importance the
project plays not only for the State’s renewable energy strategy but also the domestic hydrogen industry.”
Ms Frances-Hayes said: “It is recognition that the Leeuwin Offshore Wind Farm is a significant project for Western Australia, with the capacity to provide
substantial economic, environmental, and social benefits.
“It will help the State achieve its decarbonisation targets, provide jobs and create new skills.
“With the help of the department, we look forward to progressing our project through the approvals and development processes to deliver a
world-class offshore wind farm for WA.
“We have already spoken to many stakeholders. This engagement will continue and increase as we realise our plans.”