Parkwind makes bid for Bass Strait offshore wind energy projects
1 JULY 2023 - European global offshore wind developer Parkwind has announced its submission of a joint bid with Australian energy producer Beach Energy as part of the Commonwealth Government’s process for granting Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Feasibility Licences for potential offshore wind projects in the Bass Strait off the coast of Gippsland in Victoria.
Pioneer of the offshore wind sector in Europe, Parkwind, is currently operating 1GW of offshore wind parks across Belgium and Germany. The company, based in Leuven (Belgium), has rapidly expanded internationally with active development projects in Ireland, Norway, Greece, and Australia. With over 2.2GW of renewable energy capacity already developed, the company is looking to more than double that by developing 5GW of renewable capacity by 2025.
The Belgian developer brings over a decade of applied experience developing and operating offshore wind energy generation projects. The company’s multi-disciplinary teams have applied a number of world-leading innovations to challenging offshore conditions. e.g., the pioneering use of the world’s first floating heavy lift technique to install turbines at the Arcadis Ost 1 wind farm the company is constructing in the Baltic Sea (Germany).
With offshore gas infrastructure in the Bass Strait, Beach Energy brings its offshore operations capability to the joint bid, which presents an opportunity to participate in the first stages of the offshore wind industry in Australia. Beach has extensive experience operating in the harsh Bass Strait environment, installing highly technical infrastructure, working with offshore regulators, and engaging with communities. Such experience is highly complementary to the world class and global leadership in offshore wind expertise that Parkwind brings to the table.
François Van Leeuw, Co-CEO of Parkwind, commented: “We are looking forward to working with Beach Energy on the Gippsland developments. With our offshore wind expertise and Beach Energy’s proven track record in Australian offshore operations, we bring a world-leading solution to support Victoria’s and by extension, Australia’s green energy ambitions. With this strong team, we are confident in bringing the best of offshore wind to the region.”
Victoria is leading Australia’s offshore wind development aspirations with the first offshore wind licencing rounds as part of a plan to exit coal-fired generation and utilise existing high-capacity grid infrastructure. The awards are expected to be announced by the end of 2023.
Parkwind has identified Australia as a strategic market to grow its offshore wind energy generation portfolio. The Belgian developer is assessing suitable wind energy generation sites in zones the Commonwealth Government of Australia plans for future licencing rounds.
About Parkwind
Parkwind is an independent green energy company that develops, finances, and operates offshore wind farms. With more than a decade of experience and 771 MW under operational management in the Belgian North Sea, Parkwind is expanding internationally. With active projects at various stages of development, Parkwind is present in Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Greece, and Australia/New Zealand.
Committed to making green energy available and affordable for everyone through its unique approach covering the entire value chain of offshore wind, Parkwind has established itself as a reliable and competitive partner to communities, governments, and suppliers globally. Composed of over 140 professionals, Parkwind leads the offshore wind energy activities of its Belgian shareholder Virya, which is owned by the Colruyt Group and Korys. On 22 March 2023, Virya signed an agreement with JERA for the sale of 100% of its shares in Parkwind. Closing of the transaction is expected later this year and is subject to customary conditions relating to approval by the relevant competition and other regulatory authorities.
About Beach Energy
Beach Energy is an ASX listed, exploration and production company headquartered in Adelaide, South Australia. Founded in 1961, Beach today has oil and gas production in five basins across Australia and New Zealand and is a key supplier of gas into the Australian East Coast market.