WPD has entered into a joint venture with Australis Energy to develop three offshore wind energy projects off the coast of Australia, totalling 1400MW.
The 50:50 joint venture is developing the projects, initiated by Australis, which are located in the coastal waters of the states of Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.
With the entry into the joint venture, WPD will now assist with the completion of environmental studies and environmental impact assessments, further data collection, landowner agreements, grid access agreements, as well as planning, permitting and licensing for the projects.
Among other projects in the Asia Pacific, WPD is implementing the 640MW Yunlin offshore wind project off Taiwan.
In Australia, WPD has established its subsidiary WPD Offshore Australia and is expanding its local development team.
WPD Australia project development director Mirjam Tome said: “In this joint venture, wpd can bring both outstanding expertise and many years of experience in the development, implementation and operation of offshore projects to the emerging Australian market.
“With the investment opportunity offered by Australis Energy to participate in the further development of their Australian offshore wind project portfolio, we have the chance to work with one of the first project developers to start systematically developing offshore wind projects in Australia.”
Australis Energy has gained extensive experience in planning and implementing projects in the UK as a company registered in England and Wales and has established itself in Australia in recent years.
Together with WPD, the company stated it aims to play a pioneering role in an emerging offshore market, supporting the development of a sustainable offshore wind industry in Australia.