ICN NSW is working with Destiny Wind Pty Ltd to develop a proposed floating offshore wind farm off the Hunter coast.
The project comes on the heels of the Australian Government declaring the Hunter region suitable for offshore wind.
In a media release, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) said the decision came after a 65-day public consultation period, involving local communities, First Nations people, community groups, industry, business, and local and state and governments.
The declared area covers 1,854 square kilometres between the Central Coast and Port Stephens, 20 km from the coast in the north and over 35 km from the coast in the south.
It has the potential to generate up to 5 gigawatts of renewable wind energy, enough to power an estimated 4.2 million homes.
According to DCCEEW, potential offshore wind projects in the area could create up to 3,120 construction jobs and another 1,560 ongoing operational jobs.
“Offshore wind farms are a proven driver for jobs and contract opportunities,” ICN Industry Manager Dusko Bajic said.
“Destiny Wind presents a unique opportunity to grow the next generation capability for the NSW renewable sector.”
It typically takes around 6-10 years to develop an offshore wind project, so construction could begin around the end of the decade, with a lifespan of about around 30 years. The project is currently in the feasibility and development phase.
If it proves is feasible and the necessary approvals are granted, main contracts for the floating wind farm are expected to include:
- development services
- offshore wind turbine generators and wind floating foundations
- high voltage submarine and terrestrial cable
- offshore substations
- onshore transmission and substations
- vessels
- port and facilities.
There will also be associated packages for transportation, installation, construction, and commissioning, as well as operations and maintenance requirements.
“These contracts will create significant downstream opportunities through the successful contractors,” Dusko said.
“Local companies with relevant skills and capabilities in the broader supply chain are encouraged to register their interest.”
It typically takes around 6-10 years to develop an offshore wind project, so construction could begin around the end of the decade, with a lifespan of about around 30 years.
For more information, or to register an expression of interest, go to the Gateway page.