RWE receives license for offshore wind farm in southeastern Australia

The Australian Government has awarded RWE a feasibility licence to build an offshore wind farm near the Kent Group Islands in Bass Strait, off the coast of Gippsland, Victoria.

This is the first designated offshore wind zone in the country.

RWE has an exclusive seven-year right to exploit the seabed to develop the Kent Offshore Wind Farm project and can also apply for a commercial licence to build and operate the facility for up to 40 years.

The lease area is located 67 km from the coast and the average water depth is 59 m. RWE expects the wind farm to start operating in the first half of the 2030s, subject to the planning process and approvals, ensuring safe offtake and connection to the grid.

The company is now planning early studies to help scope the project and submit planning applications. It will also work with First Nations groups and other communities.