Asia Pacific's Offshore Renewable firm Plans 2 GW Project in Australia

Renewable energy developer, Vena Energy, based in Singapore has unveiled plans for a 2 GW offshore wind project in Australia. The offshore wind farm, named Blue Marlin, is planned to be built off the Victorian Coast in the Gippsland Basin. The wind farm would be built across four 500 MW phases, each consisting up to 35 wind turbines with an individual capacity per unit between 16 MW and 21 MW. If approved, the construction of the project would commence in 2028.

With an installed capacity of 2 GW, Blue Marlin would be able to generate up to 10,000GWh of energy annually. Blue Marlin is planned to be built off the coast of Wellington Shire, at a site located at least 23 kms offshore, where water depth reaches up to 55 metres.

According to Owen Sela, Head of Vena Energy in Australia, the company identified the site as ideal for offshore wind development in 2017, as at this distance from shore the project could take advantage of stronger offshore winds, limit the visibility of the wind turbines from land, and alleviate any potential impacts to marine life.

The company's head of business in Australia said that the expansion of the Blue Marlin project would make significant contributions to the economy throughout its lifespan, generating increased business and employment opportunities. "Vena Energy supports a local procurement policy and promotes participation from local, regional, and Australian suppliers wherever possible, and is committed to developing the capacity of local businesses and the required skills base, to support the offshore wind industry in Victoria", the company said in a press release.

The 2 GW Blue Marlin is one of several offshore wind projects the Singaporean company announced in the Asia Pacific region this year only. Last month, Vena Energy said it would launch two offshore wind projects with a total capacity of 1.8 GW to participate in auctions under Taiwan's Phase-III offshore wind zonal development. In May, the company partnered with Shikoku Electric Power (Yonden) and Toho Gas on the development of an offshore wind project in Japan and with Korea Midland Power (KOMIPO) on a 384 MW offshore wind project in South Korea. In Japan, Vena Energy is also developing the 159.6 MW Kashima Offshore Wind Project together with Wind Power Group and Tokyo Gas.