Australian offshore wind developer Nexsphere and Norwegian energy company Equinor have finalised a deal to mature the Bass Offshore Wind Energy project in Tasmania.
The partnership, which was first announced in December last year, could potentially scale up the Bass Offshore Wind Energy (BOWE) project, located in the Bass Strait of Tasmania.
Nexsphere chief executive officer Glen Kierse said the partnership with Equinor will be crucial in progressing the BOWE project.
“Equinor is a global leader in wind energy and with this partnership in place we will be able to further progress our exciting BOWE Project with confidence,” he said.
“The BOWE project is uniquely positioned to support many of the Tasmanian Government’s recent announcements including Marinus Link, Battery of the Nation and the Bell Bay Hydrogen Hub.”
Equinor senior director for offshore wind in Australia Thomas Hansen agreed and expressed his excitement in finalising the partnership.
“We’re delighted that our collaboration with Nexsphere has been finalised with the initial FIRB approval,” Hansen said. “We are now set to progress the BOWE project in Tasmania together with Nexsphere.”
“The fixed-bottom project has the potential scale to materially underpin Tasmania’s ambitions for growing renewable energy generation with multiple offtake routes.”
The BOWE project is set to provide an economic boost to northern Tasmania and create significant employment opportunities during the development, delivery, management and operational phases of the project.
Subscribe to Energy Today for the latest project and industry news.