Copenhagen Energy has submitted proposals for a 3GW offshore wind project off the coast of Western Australia.
The Federal Department of Water and the Environment will make an initial assessment of the developer’s proposed Midwest Offshore Wind Farm, which would straddle Commonwealth and state waters north of Geraldton.
The project would comprise up to 200 turbines and six substations from 10 to 70km off Kalbarri, the developer added, covering a 700 square-kilometre area.
Copenhagen Energy modelling indicates that for every 1GW of power, Midwest would create 14,500 direct and indirect construction jobs and 200 operational roles.
Copenhagen Energy aims to start construction in 2028 with first power scheduled for 2030.
It follows the developer’s proposals for the Leeuwin offshore wind farm, which would similarly consist of up to 200 turbines and six substations between Mandurah and Bunbury in Western Australia.
The Perth-Bunbury region is one of six offshore wind zones recently announced by Australia’s Federal Government.
Jasmin Bejidic, CEO of Copenhagen Energy, said: “These are exciting developments for offshore wind farms in WA and Australia.
“Our offshore wind farms are ideally placed to contribute to the power requirements of WA into the future.
“Our Leeuwin and Mid West projects can supply reliable, renewable energy to replace fossil fuel- generated power, create jobs during construction and operation and help to develop new skills.”
He added: “The release of our proposal is just the start of a long process that will involve comprehensive studies to understand the environmental, economic, and social impacts of our project.
“We will be talking to a range of local, State and Federal government agencies and local community, tourism, and fishing groups about our project and how we can develop it successfully.”