Blue Mackerel Offshore Wind Project has been awarded Major Project Status by the Federal Government, recognising the proposed 1GW development’s role in Australia’s path to net zero.
Country manager Australia Anil Chanana said: “…a strong vote of confidence in Blue Mackerel and the critical role it would play in the emerging offshore wind sector and in Australia’s energy transition. It recognises the project’s scale, its contribution to energy security and emissions reduction, significant lasting benefits to the local community and the importance of getting complex approvals right and in-time.”
Chanana added: “As one of the first offshore wind projects to secure a feasibility licence – and the first with an approved Management Plan under the new offshore regulations – Blue Mackerel is ideally positioned to help replace retiring coal generation with large-scale, reliable renewable energy.”
Major Project Status secures dedicated support for Blue Mackerel from the Federal Major Projects Facilitation Agency to help navigate the environmental and regulatory approvals process, subject to necessary approvals and the award of a commercial licence.
Located approximately 10km off the Gippsland coast on Brataualung and Tatungalung Country between Seaspray and Woodside, Blue Mackerel has the potential to generate 1GW of power and, at full capacity, supply power into the grid for up to 750,000 Victorian homes a year by 2032.
Blue Mackerel is being developed by JERA Nex bp, a 50:50 joint venture between JERA Co. and bp.
JERA Nex bp has more than 15 years’ global offshore wind experience and an end-to-end portfolio of approximately 13GW of net potential generating capacity, including around 1GW of installed capacity, 7.5GW in development and 4.5GW from secured leases.
Chanana said: “The offshore wind sector is at a critical inflection point, both globally and in Australia. In granting MPS to key renewable energy initiatives such as Blue Mackerel, the Australian Government is sending a strong signal of its commitment to offshore wind and a clean energy future.”