BlueFloat backs consortium to target New Zealand offshore wind projects

Madrid-based floating wind specialist BlueFloat Energy announced on Thursday that it has joined forces with two energy consulting firms so as to develop New Zealand offshore wind farms, seizing opportunities in the underdeveloped sector in the country and, ultimately, serving the broader trans-Tasman region.

The BlueFloat-backed consortium is bringing together Australia's Energy Estate, which develops renewable energy and green hydrogen projects in Australia and New Zealand, as well as Elemental Group, a Wellington-based energy consultant with expertise in the offshore wind sector in the country.

The New Zealand-focused entity will be headed by country manager Jarek Pole.

Energy Estate co-founder Simon Currie said that the consortium will seek to establish and develop the industry utilising know-how from around the world. "A good example of our approach is exploring the opportunities to foster a green hydrogen and e-fuels industry that harnesses the fantastic winds across New Zealand to decarbonise domestic demand and export green fuels to the world," Currie added.

New Zealand's offshore wind resources could build on existing hydro, geothermal and onshore wind assets. With the country well placed to benefit from the falling cost of offshore wind, the development of that sector could accelerate efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions and to decarbonise other sectors such as transport and agriculture.

The partnership could also help refocus employee skills by building on capabilities and experience in the marine and offshore oil and gas sectors.

"The stretch goal is to create a trans-Tasman centre of excellence which can serve the domestic industries and support the wider Asia-Pacific markets," Energy Estate's chief advisor Simon Corbell said.

The unveiling of the consortium coincided with the launch of a report on New Zealand's untapped offshore wind potential and the opportunities to establish a local supply chain.

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