EDF Renewables, a subsidiary of France’s utility EDF, has acquired a massive floating offshore project under development in Australia. The potential 10 GW Newcastle offshore wind farm, situated near the Port of Newcastle and energy transmission networks, is proposed for the Hunter‐Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) as part of the NSW government’s electricity infrastructure roadmap.
The project will be developed in stages to support the Australian government’s renewable targets and align with the progressive retirement of the ageing coal-fired power stations in the region, EDF’s renewables arm said. Initial developers Newcastle Offshore Wind Energy (NOWE) who have worked on the project for almost 10 years, will continue to work on the development with EDF Renewables as a collaborative partnership that will be scaled up to meet the project’s needs.
Dave Johnson, CEO of EDF Renewables in Australia, said: “This landmark project will be developed in collaboration with a strong local team based in Newcastle, and will require the establishment of an entirely new industry in Australia. I am very confident that this project will play a crucial role in providing new opportunities for employment, establishing new businesses, and revitalising existing businesses looking to transition from existing industries.”
EDF Renewables operates seven offshore wind farms globally and a further five under construction, including one with floating technology in France.
