A consortium comprising Mainstream Renewable Power, along with several Australian and global companies, has recently applied for a feasibility license to develop a massive 2500MW offshore wind project off the coast of Victoria, Australia.
This partnership brings together companies with extensive experience in offshore wind development worldwide, combined with deep knowledge of the Australian industry and energy generation sector. The aim is to fulfill the nation's aspirations for offshore wind power.
Among the members of the consortium are Reventus Power, AGL, and Direct Infrastructure. Their focus lies on the Bass Strait area off Gippsland, which happens to be the first offshore wind zone designated by the Australian government.
According to the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water, this particular zone, spanning over 15,000 square kilometers, has the potential to generate more than 10GW of energy throughout the year. Moreover, it has the capacity to create numerous employment opportunities, contributing to job growth in the region.
Mainstream's Head of Offshore Wind, Tove Røskaft, expressed confidence in the consortium's abilities, stating, “Mainstream has a remarkable history as one of the earliest developers of offshore wind globally. With over 20 years of experience, we were involved in the development of the very first offshore wind farms in Ireland and the UK, including the Hornsea zone, currently the world's largest operational offshore wind farm.”
Røskaft further highlighted Mainstream's involvement in the partnership responsible for the UK's most successful offshore wind supply chain project. Leveraging the expertise of their parent company, the Aker group, Mainstream aims to bring similar benefits to Australia's supply chain.
Reventus Power, established in 2021, was specifically formed to explore offshore wind investment opportunities on behalf of its parent company, the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.
The consortium's application for the feasibility license marks a significant step forward in Australia's pursuit of offshore wind power. If approved, this project could pave the way for substantial renewable energy generation and economic growth in the country.
