BlueFloat Energy has announced plans for an Australian floating offshore wind project off the coast of News South Wales.
The proposed 1725MW Eastern Rise offshore wind project follows the announcement by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, about the proposed offshore wind zone in the Pacific Ocean off the Hunter region of New South Wales.
The project, which sits within the new proposed offshore wind zone, is set to be delivered over a development and construction period of seven years.
BlueFloat Energy’s country manager Nick Sankey said the decision to develop a new project in the region was based on a combination of factors, including the Hunter’s history of industrial development and power generation, the quality of the wind resource, the advantageous positioning near emerging energy infrastructure and BlueFloat Energy’s positive stakeholder and community engagement to date.
“BlueFloat Energy is extremely excited about the latest addition to our growing list of offshore wind projects in Australia. Minister Bowen’s announcement is positive for the whole state and Australia’s energy transition,” he said.
“We know local communities support regional economic opportunities and are receptive to sustainable innovation.
“We will be working closely with the local communities to ensure this project delivers economic and environmental benefits to the area and builds on the region’s long history as a leader in energy, manufacturing and maritime industries.”
CEO of BlueFloat Energy Carlos Martin added: “The announcement is the latest demonstration of BlueFloat Energy’s commitment to being a long-term partner to Australia and New Zealand, developing world-class offshore wind projects.
“BlueFloat Energy hopes that through collaboration with government at all levels, industry, communities and other offshore wind proponents, it can create a lasting impact on Australia’s transition and cement the nation’s position as a clean energy superpower.”
BlueFloat Energy was previously working on the very early stages of a separate project in the region, the Hunter Coast offshore wind project, now being developed independently by Energy Estate.