Australia Awards Preliminary Licenses for Three Offshore Wind Projects in Bunbury Zone

The Australian government is advancing offshore wind energy development by awarding three preliminary feasibility licenses for projects in the Bunbury Offshore Wind Zone off Western Australia's coast. These projects, led by companies including Oceanex Energy and partnerships backed by European firms such as France’s EFP Group and Ocean Winds, could generate up to 4 GW of renewable power, sufficient to supply approximately 2.7 million homes. Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen emphasized the importance of these initiatives for job creation, new industry, and meeting Western Australia's target of 50 GW of additional generation by 2042. The awarded licenses allow the companies to continue planning and require engagement with the traditional owners to consider local impacts before full feasibility permits are granted. The Bunbury zone, spanning 1,500 square miles, was declared in September 2024 and is projected to provide up to 11.4 GW of renewable energy capacity. These projects contribute to a growing offshore wind industry in Australia, complementing ongoing developments on the east coast and targeting a total of over 24 GW of renewable energy from offshore wind.