The project can potentially deliver a major economic boost to northern Tasmania by providing a large-scale and renewable energy source for future green industry such as hydrogen and aluminium at Bell Bay, as well as providing excess renewable energy into the National Electricity Marke, said BOWE.
Following the signing of the MoU between the Tasmanian Government and BOWE, the project will progress through the feasibility licencing process once the area is declared, as set out in the Commonwealth’s Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act.
This process has already commenced in Gippsland, Victoria, and will in the Hunter region in NSW soon.
The parties also agree to support the growth of local jobs and economic development in northern Tasmania, the efficient planning and delivery of transmission infrastructure and port facilities, and working together on environmental issues and community consultation.
“By signing this MOU, all parties are aligned in their desire to see the project become a significant contributor towards Tasmania’s renewable future, as well as the creator of job opportunities throughout northern Tasmania,” said Glen Kierse , CEO of Nexsphere.
In addition to the supply of offshore wind energy, the agreement will also see parties working together to assist in northern Tasmania being declared an Offshore Renewable Energy Zone by the Commonwealth Government.
The Gippsland area is Australia’s first offshore wind area , following the country’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy declaring the Bass Strait as suitable for offshore renewable energy infrastructure.
In January of this year, the country’s Ministry for Climate Change and Energy opened the invitation period for feasibility licence applications for the Gippsland area.
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