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BlueFloat Energy and Energy Estate are proud to announce the latest offshore wind development in Australia, the Southern Winds Offshore Wind Project.
Southern Winds, a 1.155 GW project, will utilize bottom-fixed technology. It will be located between 10 – 30 kilometers from the coasts of South Australia and Victoria. The location is within the Portland West Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Zone, (REZ), announced by the Victorian Government. There were many reasons why the site was selected carefully, including:
1. World-class wind resource
2. Locally skilled workers and social and political support are key to the success of the industry.
3. The project is close to excellent infrastructure and a deep-water port.
4. Strong local demand for energy
5. Offshore wind can complement existing or proposed onshore wind farms
6. Access to Victoria’s 500kV transmission network; potential expansion into South Australia.
7. To maximize the economic benefits of the region’s natural resources, we need to create an industrial ecosystem that is clean and sustainable.
“Australia’s May 2015 change in government has changed the narrative about climate change and the role that renewables play in decarbonizing its economy. Australia’s new Prime Minister, Nick Sankey, is seen as ambitious and outward-looking about achieving its Net Zero emissions goal. We are excited about the role that offshore wind will play in this journey,” says Nick Sankey (Country Manager at BlueFloat Energy).
Simon Currie, co-founder, and Chief projects officer at Energy Estate, said, “Southern Winds is an exciting addition to our portfolio of Australian offshore wind projects. This region boasts world-class wind resources and has a long history of success in industrial and renewable energy development. Our vision is to create globally competitive clean forest products and a sustainable fuels hub that stretches from Mt Gambier up to Portland.”
Carlos Martin, BlueFloat Energy CEO stated that “this is the fourth project in Australia and will increase our total capacity to over 5GW. BlueFloat Energy and Energy Estate have a shared commitment to the development of Australia’s offshore wind industry. Our firm believes that the success of the industry will depend on close collaboration with the government, off-takers, and transmission companies as well as the supply chain and other developers.”
Southern Winds’ announcement comes just after BlueFloat Energy announced a portfolio of 5GW in Columbia, 1GW Taiwan and a 50MW project at the Port of Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands. BlueFloat Energy and Energy Estate continue to push for the development of additional sites in Australia and New Zealand. The partnership is committed to supporting local manufacturing and supply chain growth and is working with local and international partners to achieve that goal.
