The Tasmanian government has committed to working together with the owners of the multi-gigawatt Bass Offshore Wind Energy (BOWE) project to secure green power supply for northern Tasmania.
Energy minister Guy Barnett has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with representatives of Norway’s Equinor and Australian firm Nexsphere, which are partners in the multi-billion-dollar project in the Bass Strait.
In addition to the supply of offshore wind energy, the agreement will also see the parties working together to assist in northern Tasmania being declared an Offshore Renewable Energy Zone by the Commonwealth Government. 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.
The deal is the first step of maturing the project together with the local authorities. The next stage will see BOWE progress through the feasibility licencing process once the area is declared, as set out in the Commonwealth’s Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act, a process which has already commenced in Gippsland, Victoria and will in the Hunter region soon.
