Bunbury, August 27, 2025 — Two European-backed projects have moved a step closer to development, having been awarded preliminary feasibility licences for offshore wind sites in Geographe Bay, 170 km south of Perth. The licences pave the way for further environmental, technical, and cultural studies in pursuit of Western Australia’s first large-scale offshore wind energy generation.
Key Players Granted Licences and What It Means
- Bunbury Offshore Wind South, backed by EDF Power Solutions Australia (part of France’s EDF Group), adds another project in the southern zone to follow its June award in the north.
- Westward Wind, a joint venture between Spain’s EDP Renewables and France’s ENGIE (via Ocean Winds), also secured its own preliminary feasibility licence.
With both projects now onboard—alongside EDF’s northern proposal—WA stands poised for significant offshore wind development, with the potential to generate 4 gigawatts of clean energy and support approximately 1,000 long-term jobs.
Environmental and Cultural Considerations Ahead
The federal government has flagged this milestone as a crucial step toward establishing a scalable offshore wind industry in WA. However, community concerns remain strong:
- Marine Environment: Residents worry about impacts on whale migration routes and broader marine ecosystems.
- Cultural Approval: Under native title legislation, developers must secure sign-off from traditional owners before final feasibility licences may be granted.
The Broader Offshore Wind Momentum in Australia
This move aligns with national efforts to scale renewable energy:
- Earlier, a feasibility licence was granted to Novocastrian Wind (Equinor & Oceanex) for a floating offshore wind farm in the Hunter region, NSW, reflecting momentum on the east coast.
- Despite some setbacks—such as Copenhagen Energy withdrawing WA projects due to investment challenges—federal commitment to offshore wind remains firm.
What’s Next: From Feasibility to Reality
- Consultations with Traditional Owners: A vital precursor before full development can proceed.
- Environmental and Technical Studies: Including seabed assessments and ecosystem impact analysis.
- Community Engagement: Managing local concerns about tourism, wildlife, and fisheries.
- Commercial Licences: If feasibility stages are successful, developers may apply to build and operate the wind farms.
