RWE AG, the German energy giant, has achieved a significant milestone with the acquisition of exclusive seabed rights from the Australian government for the Kent Offshore Wind Farm project in the Bass Strait off Victoria's Gippsland coast.
Announced on Wednesday, the feasibility licence permits RWE to advance development plans and pursue a commercial licence that could extend up to 40 years.
According to RWE, the proposed project site near the Kent Group islands holds potential for installing up to 2 GW of turbine capacity, aiming to harness Australia's abundant offshore wind resources.
The company plans to conduct detailed studies to refine the project's design and initiate necessary permitting procedures. Subsequently, RWE intends to secure a power purchase agreement (PPA) to facilitate the project's financial viability.
The offshore wind farm is strategically located approximately 67 km off the coastline, within Australia's inaugural offshore wind zone established in 2022. The lease area boasts average water depths of 59 meters, conducive to supporting substantial wind turbine installations.
Pending regulatory approvals, off-take agreements, and grid connections, RWE anticipates that the Kent Offshore Wind Farm could commence operations in the early 2030s. The project holds the potential to supply renewable electricity to approximately 1.6 million local households, contributing significantly to Australia's renewable energy goals.
