Norwegian energy giant Equinor and Australian renewables developer Nexsphere will join forces to progress the Bass Offshore Wind Energy (BOWE) project in the Bass Strait, Tasmania.
The collaboration combines Equinor’s global experience and expertise in the development and construction of offshore wind farms with Nexsphere’s local experience and track record, according to Nexsphere.
The BOWE is a multi-billion-dollar, bottom-fixed foundation offshore wind farm development located about 30 kilometres off Tasmania’s northeast coast.
Nexsphere’s planned Bass Offshore Wind Energy project, which involves 35 to 70 turbines, would generate up to 1000 MW – enough energy to power 325,000 homes.
“We see BOWE as one of a series of projects that will provide the scale required to generate high-capacity renewable electricity to support significant growth for Tasmania and its emerging green hydrogen sector as well as providing renewable electricity into the National Electricity Market”, said Glen Kierse , CEO of Nexsphere.
According to Kierse, 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.
The project could provide a major economic boost to northern Tasmania and create short-term and long-term employment opportunities during the development, delivery, management, and operational phases of the project including research, marine, and structural engineering, vessel fleet, delivery headquarters, yard, and port operations.
“The Bass Strait is a world class offshore wind resource, and this project is well placed to support Australia’s energy transition and Tasmania’s goal to double the production of green electricity by 2040”, said Thomas Hansen , Equinor’s Senior Director for Offshore Wind in Australia.
Equinor is currently undertaking preparatory activities while Nexsphere is progressing with the project.
The agreement between the two companies is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023, subject to relevant approvals. The BOWE project is also subject to relevant regulatory declarations, licensing, and other approvals.
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