The South West Interconnected System is predicted to need 50 gigawatts (GW) more electricity by 2042. Offshore wind offers a large-scale, secure, reliable, and clean energy source for our electricity network.
The declared area has the potential to generate up to 11.4 GW of renewable wind energy.
We read more than 2,600 submissions during the consultation period and talked with the community, First Nations groups, government, and local industry. In response to feedback, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy has declared an area that:
- is smaller than originally proposed (approximately half the size)
- removed more than 60% of the area requested by recreational fishers, including Naturaliste Reef
- is further offshore to minimize visual impact (30 km minimum)
- allows space for the safe management of shipping
- is a greater distance from Southern Right Whale migration and breeding areas.
Feasibility Licenses
Offshore wind projects can’t be built yet. Interested companies will need to apply for feasibility licenses between September 3 and November 6, 2024.
There will be more:
- investigations
- environmental assessments
- approvals
- consultation with the local community, Government, industry, and First Nations people.
Companies are expected to maximize local content and demonstrate their contribution to local and Australian communities by using Australian goods and services.
