Australian oil and gas company Pilot Energy has started a feasibility study into the development of an 1100MW offshore wind farm off the coast of the mid-west region of Western Australia that will be combined with an onshore wind and solar project.
Pilot Energy is the 60% majority owner of an offshore exploration permit – WA-481-P – off the Western Australia coast covering 8600 square kilometres.
The company said it has developed a conceptual development layout for a four-stage development comprised of up to 78 turbines up to 14MW in size.
Under this development concept, the turbines can be located at least 14km offshore and in water depths of between 20-40 metres, it added.
The offshore wind resource within the area has been measured to have an annual mean wind speed greater than nine metres a second at a hub height 100 metres.
The eastern boundary of WA-481-P is approximately 10km offshore in relatively shallow water depths ranging between 20 to 40-metres, it said.
In total, 88% of the area is in water depths of 60 metres or less, Pilot added.
Pilot Energy chairman Brad Lingo said: “We see this as a perfect opportunity to develop a major renewable energy transition project in the Mid West Coast Region of Western Australia.
“This is exactly the type of development that demonstrates the ability to substantially redefine how the Australian offshore oil and gas industry can, in parallel with existing operations, participate in a low carbon future through offshore renewable energy projects delivering substantial low cost energy to Western Australia.
“The substantial nature of the offshore opportunity in Western Australian also presents the option to supply renewable hydrogen for domestic residential and industrial consumption as well as the potential to supply international markets.
“This is only the beginning of the process to establish the overall feasibility of the project but it is a very good first step and Pilot’s existing footprint and management experience provides a unique opportunity to participate in the energy transition as a dedicated energy solutions provider.
“Pilot strongly believes that focussing on the energy transition provides the opportunity to deliver strong growth and significant shareholder value.”