WPD, Australis Energy Collaborate For 1.4 GW Offshore Wind Farms In Australia

The subsidiary of German conglomerate WPD based in Australia has entered into a joint venture with Australis Energy for the development of three offshore wind energy projects that lie off the Australian costs. The total capacity of the wind energy projects will come to 1400 MW.

As per the official statement, both companies will have 50:50 share in the joint venture in developing the projects that are initiated by Australis. The location of the wind projects are in the coastal waters of three states of Australia – Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.

The announcement holds that Australis was implementing the three projects and has already completed two phases. It’s in the third phase where it requires the help of WPD for its completion.

WPD says that after its deal with Australis, the company will help with the completion of environmental studies, environmental impact assessments (EIA), data collection, landowner agreements, grid access agreements, further planning, permitting and licensing for offshore wind projects.

WPD has registered a subsidiary called WPD Offshore Australia in the island country where it’s currently expanding its local development team.

Mirjam Tome, Project Development Director, WPD Australia, said, “In this joint venture, wpd can bring both outstanding expertise and many years of experience in the development, implementation and operation of offshore projects to the emerging Australian market.”

Tome further added, “With the investment opportunity offered by Australis Energy to participate in the further development of their Australian offshore wind project portfolio, we have the chance to work with one of the first project developers to start systematically developing offshore wind projects in Australia.”

Australis said that with collaboration with WPD, it aims larger targets in the emerging offshore wind energy market. It said that the partnership will help further the development of a sustainable offshore wind industry in Australia.

Australis Energy claims to have reasonable experience in planning and implementing projects. The company has executed projects in the United Kingdom where it’s also registered.

WPD is executing several projects in the Asia Pacific region. One of the key offshore wind energy projects that the company is implementing is the 640 MW Yunlin project in Taiwan.