UK Government eyes opportunities for British firms with potential South West offshore wind farm developments

The UK Government’s lead representative in WA has said the UK is in a “prime position” to support the development of offshore wind in the South West. UK consul-general Maria Rennie made the comments ahead of the launch of the Australian Offshore Wind Farm Study by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and consultancy firm Arup, in Perth on Tuesday. The study was commissioned by the UK Government early last year to identify potential opportunities for British firms to support the development of the country’s offshore wind power industry. In the report, Asia-Pacific deputy trade commissioner Louise Cantillon said the country was keen to support the successful development of the sector in Australia. “In addition to sharing policy expertise, we also want to understand the opportunities for UK developers and suppliers to participate,” she said. The study anticipates two to three offshore wind farm developments will be developed off the South West coast, with the first beginning operation in 2033. At least three projects are currently proposed in the area, consisting of Oceanex Energy’s Bunbury offshore wind farm, Copenhagen Energy’s Leeuwin offshore wind farm and the Myalup offshore windfarm, a joint venture between Skyborn Renewables and Australis Energy. The UK currently has the second largest offshore wind industry in the world, with 13.9 gigawatts of capacity installed as of 2023. Ms Rennie said the country was the first major economy to halve its emissions and to commit to net-zero emissions by 2050 in law. “All this puts the UK in a prime position to support and partner with markets like Australia to deliver energy transition goals,” she said. “I am pleased that the UK can offer its offshore wind expertise as WA develops renewable capacity, a further example of the growing UK and Australia climate partnership.” Arup Australasia offshore wind leader Damon Sunderland said the firm was excited to see how its analysis can help further shape opportunities in Australia’s offshore wind market. “The report also acknowledges challenges including market distance, local content requirements, and public perception,” he said. “Addressing these will be crucial to unlocking an efficient growth of offshore wind in Australia.” Consultation is currently under way for the Federal Government’s proposed offshore wind farm zone between Cape Naturaliste and Mandurah, with submissions open until May 4.