New Offshore Wind Zone in Western Australia Sparks Concerns over Local Manufacturing
The establishment of a new offshore wind zone off the coast of Bunbury, Western Australia has raised concerns about the inclusion of locally manufactured goods in wind energy projects. Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen recently opened a consultation for the proposed offshore wind project, but unions are calling for provisions to ensure that Australian-produced steel and goods are included.
The Bunbury offshore wind zone, located 20 kilometers (14 miles) off the coast, is being touted as an ideal location for offshore electricity due to the high-speed winds in the Indian Ocean. However, the Australian Manufacturers Workers Union (AMWU) has expressed concerns about the lack of credible industry policy from the federal government, fearing that inferior wind towers from overseas will be used in Australian projects.
AMWU national secretary, Steven Murphy, emphasized the importance of renewable projects delivering local jobs and a thriving industry. He stated that without provisions in place, Australia is at risk of falling behind in the global race for future jobs. Murphy called for the government to prioritize the use of Australian-produced steel and goods in the offshore wind zone.
In response to these concerns, Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen assured that harnessing offshore wind would create new job opportunities and contribute to energy security in Western Australia. He emphasized the Albanese government’s commitment to genuine consultation on offshore wind and encouraged communities, industry, and businesses to have their say in the development of the offshore wind area.
The public now has until May 3 to make submissions for the potential offshore wind farm, with community information sessions being held from March 19 to March 21. However, it is important to note that offshore wind projects are still subject to various approvals under Australian environmental laws.
Flotation Energy, a Scotland-based company proposing a 1.5 gigawatt Sea Lion project for the Bunbury offshore wind zone, welcomed the consultation. Executive director Carolyn Sanders highlighted Western Australia’s potential to lead the development of the offshore wind supply chain in Australia through its ports and manufacturing capabilities. The company believes that an offshore wind industry in Western Australia can support energy-intensive industries such as hydrogen production, lithium hydroxide plants, green steel manufacturing, and seawater desalination plants.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s head of climate and energy, Jess Panegyres, also praised the potential of Western Australia to become a renewable energy superpower. She described the region as one of the windiest places in the world and argued that it has the resources necessary to provide West Australians with a sustainable future. Panegyres emphasized that in the face of the climate crisis and rising costs of living, there is no need for more polluting fossil fuels like gas when renewable energy is readily available.
The consultation for the Bunbury offshore wind zone presents an opportunity for the public and various stakeholders to shape the future of renewable energy in Western Australia. While concerns about local manufacturing have been raised, proponents argue that the offshore wind industry has the potential to create new job opportunities and support a range of energy-intensive industries. The outcome of the consultation will determine the path forward for this ambitious project and its impact on the region’s energy landscape.
