The Federal Government has officially declared an offshore wind zone off the coast of Bunbury, WA.
Following extensive consultation with industry, First Nations people and community groups, the Bunbury offshore wind zone has been amended.
It will now be at least 30km from shore at its closest point, excludes more than 60 per cent of the recreational fishing areas requested for exclusion including Naturaliste Reef and provides further separation from breeding areas and migratory paths for Southern Right Whales.
The final area covers 4,000km2 – reducing the zone by about half.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said this is a crucial step towards securing WA’s energy needs.
“With an estimated 50 GW of new generation required by 2042, Western Australia needs new sources of electricity to power homes and industry,” Bowen said.
“Offshore wind can help meet that demand – harnessing consistent, high-speed winds to provide reliable renewable energy throughout the day and night, with one rotation of an offshore turbine generating as much power as an average rooftop solar installation makes in a day.”
The application period for feasibility licences in the declared Bunbury offshore wind zone opens 3 September and closes on 6 November 2024.
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