Australian Consortium Unveils 2 GW Floating Offshore Wind Plan for Hunter Area

July 18, 2023, by Adnan Memija

Ireland-headquartered Simply Blue Group, offshore services provider Subsea7, and Australia’s Spark Renewables have unveiled their plan to develop the Sea Fern floating offshore wind project in the Commonwealth’s newly declared Hunter wind zone in the Pacific Ocean.

A few days ago, the Australian Government officially declared its second offshore wind zone off the coast of New South Wales Hunter region, which has the potential to accommodate up to 5 GW of offshore wind capacity.

The Subsea7, Simply Blue Group, and Spark Renewables consortium are planning to develop a project using floating wind technology that would have a generation capacity of up to 2 GW.

The name “Sea Fern” was selected for its connection to the native flora of the Hunter coast, symbolising values of sustainability, innovation and environmental consciousness, aligning with the consortium’s principals, the companies said.

Sea Fern floating offshore wind project is currently in the inception phase of applying for a feasibility licence.

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A feasibility licence, if granted, would enable the consortium to consult and work collaboratively with the community, businesses, and industry.

Within the 7-year feasibility licence period, the developers said they would undertake the necessary technical, environmental and social impact studies, approvals and consultation.

The development approval would be required by 2030 to start construction, with expected operations running through to the 2060s and beyond, said the companies.

Simply Blue Group, Subsea7, and Spark Renewables decided to join forces to pursue floating offshore wind development in the Hunter and Illawarra regions in March this year.