Alinta Energy, Parkwind apply feasibility licence for Aussie offshore wind farm

Once granted, developers will be able to study the project’s viability.

The application for the feasibility licence of the 1-gigawatt Spinifex Offshore Wind Farm has been submitted to the Offshore Infrastructure Registrar, the project’s developers announced. 

In a statement, Alinta Energy said the permit will make way for the exploration of the viability or practicality of the proposed project. This will also allow for the conduct of more research, tests, and consultation, it added.

“In the meantime, we will continue to undertake pre-licence award work such as environmental surveys for marine life, wind monitoring, and stakeholder engagement where appropriate,” said Parkwind co-CEO François Van Leeuw.

Alinta Energy in April first announced its partnership with Parkwind, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JERA Nex, to develop the offshore wind farm.

The Spinifex Offshore Wind Farm will be located in the Southern Ocean zone, off Victoria’s south-west coast. It is seen to contribute up to around $1.06b (A$1.6b) to the regional economy during the construction period, and $26m (A$40m) annually during its operations.

$1 = A$1.50