EDF Renewables acquires offshore wind project

EDF Renewables has acquired the Newcastle Offshore Wind (NOW) Farm, a floating offshore project under development. Situated near the Port of Newcastle and energy distribution networks, the project has been proposed for the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) as part of the NSW Government Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. Its development stages will support the Australian Government’s renewable targets and align with the progressive retirement of coal-fired power stations in the region.

The initial project developer, Newcastle Offshore Wind Energy (NOWE), has almost 10 years of experience on the project and has worked closely with the EDF Renewables team in Australia for the last 12 months. NOWE will continue to collaborate with EDF Renewables on the project, with the two teams having previously worked in the Hunter region.

Dave Johnson, CEO of EDF Renewables in Australia, said NOWE has put effort into building its local development expertise and can connect with the community and stakeholders, which is beneficial to the project.

“It’s always top priority for us to make sure the community and region benefit from our work and those benefits are clear, far-reaching and impactful for the entire community,” Johnson said.

The project will require an entirely new industry to be established in Australia, which will help create jobs, establish businesses and revitalise businesses looking to transition from existing industries.

EDF Renewables operates seven offshore wind farms globally and has a further five under construction. Projects are being developed across North and Latin America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Image credit: iStock.com/Imagvixen