Copenhagen Energy has unveiled details of a second large-scale offshore windfarm it is developing in Australia
In addition to the Leeuwin offshore windfarm it unveiled in March 2022, a 3-GW project in Geographe Bay off the southwest coast of Western Australia, Copenhagen Energy is also developing the 3-GW Midwest offshore windfarm, off the coast of Kalbarri, 500 km north of Perth, in Western Australia’s Mid West region.
The project is being managed by Midwest Offshore Wind, a wholly owned subsidiary of Copenhagen Energy.
The company said the windfarm “will support Australia’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030 and the West Australia Government’s target of enhanced climate resilience and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”
The windfarm will have up to 200 wind turbines and six substation platforms in Commonwealth waters. The electricity generated will be brought ashore through state waters to an onshore load centre or electricity grid connection point.
The company said it is currently planning to use wind turbines of between 15 MW and 25 MW each with a height of between 268 m and 385 m and rotor diameter of 240 m to 320m. The definitive number, final location, layout and ultimate turbine and platform specifications will be determined as the project progresses.
The windfarm will be located within a 700 km2 project area. A large development envelope has been chosen to allow the greatest flexibility in determining the final location, after extensive consultation.
The company said the project will deliver a range of benefits to the Mid West, including direct and indirect employment opportunities and skills development; benefits to state and regional economies; and positive impacts on the local community.
“For every 1 GW of power, the project will deliver an estimated 14,500 jobs during construction, including 5,000 direct jobs and another 9,500 indirect jobs,” said the company. “Around 200 jobs will be required during operation as well as more indirect employment.”
Midwest Offshore Wind said, “We have started talking to a range of stakeholders, including local and state government agencies and community groups and this will continue throughout the project.
“Construction of the windfarm will take approximately three years and is targeted to start in 2028, subject to the project receiving the necessary government approvals.”
