The Albanese Labour government is awarding preliminary feasibility licences for offshore wind projects in Western Australia.
The government has taken decisions that will likely lead to two new offshore wind farms being built in the Bunbury zone.
In the northern part of the declared area, a preliminary decision has been made to offer a feasibility licence to Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm Pty Ltd.
If progressed, the project would be located more than 30km offshore and would have the potential to deliver 1.5GW of renewable electricity, enough to power about one million homes. It could employ 900 workers during the construction phase, with 450 ongoing jobs.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen MP has also shortlisted two projects – one from Westward Wind Pty Ltd and an additional project from Bunbury Offshore Wind Pty Ltd – 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 licence.
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.
Meanwhile on the east coast, in the Hunter offshore wind zone, Novocastrian Wind Pty Ltd has requested additional time to develop its commercial arrangements in order to deliver the best outcome for the Hunter community.
The Minister has made a final decision not to offer a feasibility licence to Seadragon in the Gippsland zone.
The Albanese Government is working with the emerging industry on improving the regulatory framework and reducing barriers to development.
Minister Bowen underscored the importance of the declared area in strengthening WA’s renewable energy future.
He said: “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.”