DP Energy eyes expansion into Australia’s offshore wind market

Irish renewables developer DP Energy intends to enter the Australian offshore wind segment with plans to develop five projects in state waters, joining a flurry of investors with ambitious plans for the nascent industry.

“We are pleased to announce that our DP Energy Australia team are to pursue offshore wind development in Australia following greater government focus on the technology, backed by more supportive policy settings,” the Irish firm said in a Twitter post on Thursday.

A map published by the developer shows it has identified areas off the coast of Warrnambool in Western Victoria, Wonthaggi and Port Albert in Victoria’s Gippsland region, and the Wollongong and Newcastle areas in New South Wales. However, no specific details are available about the five projects and the overall capacity to be deployed.

DP Energy’s announcement follows the federal government’s mapping of six zones suitable for offshore wind installation, along with the launch of consultations for the Gippsland area, which is set to accommodate Australia’s first offshore wind zone.

The Irish firm is already working on several offshore wind projects, including through partnerships with EDF Renewables and Spanish utility group Iberdrola SA (BME:IBE). In Australia, its projects include the 320-MW Port August Renewable Energy Park in South Australia and the 430-MW Callide wind project in Queensland.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!