Simply Blue, an Irish renewable energy developer, has formed a consortium with Subsea7 and Spark Renewables to develop a 2GW floating offshore wind project at the newly announced Hunter zone in New South Wales, Australia.

The project has been named Sea Fern after native flora.

It is estimated to feature between 100 and 135 turbines: the final number will be dependent on market availability and specifications. Its 2GW of output will meet the annual power needs of a million Australian households.

The consortium is now applying for a feasibility licence. 

It will then engage with surrounding communities, working with local contractors to design a stakeholder engagement framework.

The team will also conduct technical, environmental and social impact studies to ascertain the project’s viability during the seven-year period of the licence.

Its goal is to gain development approval by 2030.

Simply Blue group CEO Sam Roch-Perks stated: “With a long coastline and stable continental shelf, we see huge potential for offshore floating wind projects off New South Wales. The State Government of New South Wales has announced key renewable energy zones, making it clear that it is committed to a diverse, affordable, modern energy system, with wind energy firmly in the mix.

“I am looking forward to meeting again personally with local stakeholders over the coming weeks to further progress our plans. We hope to bring the valuable lessons learnt from our existing global portfolio of over 10GW of floating wind projects to Australia.”

The region off the Hunter coast has been declared ideal for offshore wind development, with the potential to generate 5GW of clean electricity.