Wedoany.com Report-Jun 4, The Australian government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has announced the allocation of preliminary feasibility licenses for offshore wind projects in Western Australia’s Bunbury zone, advancing the nation’s renewable energy goals. Two offshore wind farms are likely to be developed, located more than 30km offshore, with the potential to generate 1.5GW of clean electricity, sufficient to power approximately one million households.

In the northern part of the Bunbury zone, Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm Pty Ltd has been selected to receive a feasibility license. The project is expected to create 900 jobs during construction and sustain 450 ongoing roles. In the southern area, two projects—one by Westward Wind Pty Ltd and another by Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm Pty Ltd—have been shortlisted for feasibility licenses. The applicants will resolve overlapping proposals, with each likely advancing one project to the next stage, where Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen will consider granting formal feasibility licenses.

A feasibility license allows developers to conduct detailed assessments before applying for a commercial license to start construction, marking the initial phase of a multi-year process that includes continuous community engagement. To ensure local benefits, a Bunbury Offshore Wind Industry Committee will be formed, comprising representatives from the companies, government, First Nations groups, local industries, and unions, to oversee the projects and support regional economic growth.

Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, stated: “In Bunbury, offshore wind has huge potential for jobs, new industry, and clean, reliable renewable energy in the regions which have powered Australia for generations. Western Australia needs some 50GW of additional generation by 2042, and we’re getting to work making sure that we deliver the new clean energy, and the good jobs, the West needs.”

On the east coast, Novocastrian Wind Pty Ltd in the Hunter offshore wind zone has requested additional time to refine its commercial arrangements to maximize benefits for the local community. Separately, the government decided not to grant a feasibility license to Seadragon in the Gippsland zone.

The government is collaborating with the offshore wind industry to streamline regulations and reduce development barriers, reinforcing Western Australia’s role in the nation’s renewable energy future. These initiatives aim to deliver sustainable energy and economic opportunities while meeting the region’s growing electricity demands.