Australia’s offshore wind sector has taken another step forward, with the federal government issuing three preliminary feasibility licence offers.
The offers cover proposed wind farms off the coast of Bunbury, Western Australia. The projects, if approved, would contribute up to 4 gigawatts (GW) of capacity – enough to power approximately 2.7 million homes.
The southern portion of the Bunbury Offshore Wind Zone will host two coordinated projects: Westward Wind and Bunbury Offshore Wind South, which have resolved a boundary conflict.
A third project, the Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm (North), is undergoing consultation ahead of a preliminary feasibility licence offer.
This tranche of west coast licences follows the earlier designation of the Bunbury Offshore Wind Zone in May 2024.
According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), the combined capacity under feasibility licences now totals 24.21 GW nationwide, with the Bunbury projects accounting for a further 4 GW under preliminary offers.
The proposed developments could create over 2500 construction jobs and 1000 ongoing operational roles, spanning engineering, marine operations, and project management. Officials emphasised the alignment with the existing skill base in the region.
However, project progression remains subject to traditional owner engagement. Both Westward Wind and Bunbury Offshore Wind must complete Indigenous consultation before advancing to final feasibility licensing.
The federal government has framed these developments as part of a broader transition strategy for Western Australia, where an estimated 50 GW of new generation capacity will be needed by 2042.
“The remarkable wind resources located offshore from Bunbury present a huge new opportunity for this traditional power generating region,” added Assistant Minister Josh Wilson.