Western Australia is a step closer to an offshore renewable energy sector today, with the Federal Government opening consultation on a WA region.

Danish renewable energy experts Copenhagen Energy said today’s announcement marked an important milestone in the development of offshore wind power in WA.

The region is one of six potential offshore energy zones around Australia identified by the Federal Government and the last to be opened for consultation.

The proposed area covers 7674km2 and is at least 20km from the shore. The area is offshore between Dawesville and Cape Naturaliste.

Copenhagen Energy Development Manager, Australia, Joy Francis-Hayes said WA had a growing need for renewables in its future energy mix with the anticipated closure of State-owned coal-fired power stations.

She said there was increasing investor interest in WA’s offshore wind potential.

Copenhagen Energy continues to have positive discussions with a range of potential off-take partners.

The company has submitted plans for initial consideration under the EPBC Act for three offshore wind farms in WA with its Leeuwin Offshore Wind Farm planned for Commonwealth waters in the Bunbury region.

“For the first time we have an indication of the area proposed for WA’s first offshore wind zone,” Ms Francis-Hayes said. 

“We have been working in WA for three years, conducting initial scoping studies, assessing WA’s wind resources and talking to a range of stakeholders from government and industry to communities to understand their concerns and how we can respond during our project development.

“There is still considerable work to be done to obtain all planning and licence approvals. This consultation period is just the beginning.

“Our Leeuwin project is ideally placed to operate within the zone outlined by the Federal Government and is close to existing transmission infrastructure. 

“Our proposed project area starts 20km off the coast, but turbines could be located up to 70km off the coast.

“Our project has a lot to offer WA environmentally, socially and economically. It will help the State and Federal Governments achieve their carbon-reduction targets, create new jobs and provide the impetus for regional development using local suppliers.

“Offshore wind can help to meet increasing demand from future industries including hydrogen production and those already operating that are seeking ways to decarbonise their operations.

“We envision this project acting as a catalyst for the development of manufacturing and marine support services, further contributing to regional growth and prosperity.

“We have been involved in extensive consultation on our Leeuwin Offshore Wind Farm and have received an overwhelmingly positive response.

“We are excited about the possibilities ahead and remain committed to fostering positive and collaborative relationships and we look forward to being part of this new consultation period.”

Leeuwin Offshore Wind Farm will comprise up to 200 turbines, and six sub-stations, connected to a land-based transmission station and will deliver 3GW of electricity a year, enough to power three million homes and businesses. Turbines for the project are still subject to planning and engineering design but could be from 268m to 385m high.

The wind farm will offset up to eight million tonnes of CO2 each year.