Environmental Initiatives
Bass Strait Offshore Wind Zone Declared: The Australian government has designated a 7,100 sq km area in the Bass Strait, 30 km off Tasmania's northern coast, as an offshore wind zone. This region has the potential to generate up to 20 gigawatts of power, exceeding half of southeastern Australia's current demand. While this move aims to bolster renewable energy, conservationists express concerns about its impact on migratory birds and marine life.
Brazil's Offshore Wind Energy Legislation: Brazil's Senate has approved Bill 576/21, establishing a regulatory framework for offshore wind projects. The bill authorizes the federal government to auction maritime areas for wind farms, crucial for advancing over 100 proposed projects with a potential of 244 GW. However, it also includes controversial provisions mandating the contracting of coal-fired thermoelectric plants until 2050, which President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva intends to veto.
Corporate Developments
BP and Jera Form Offshore Wind Joint Venture: BP is transferring its offshore wind business into a 50/50 joint venture with Japan's Jera, combining Jera's 1 GW of operational wind farms with BP's development projects to target a 13 GW capacity. BP will invest up to $3.25 billion, while Jera will contribute $2.55 billion. This move reflects BP's strategic shift under CEO Murray Auchincloss towards a capital-light model for renewable energy investments.
Environmental Concerns
Firth of Forth Wind Farm Opposition: The proposed Berwick Bank offshore wind farm in Scotland's Firth of Forth, planned to consist of 307 turbines with a 4.1 GW capacity, faces opposition from environmental groups. Organizations like the Scottish Seabird Centre and the RSPB warn that the project could threaten approximately 100,000 seabirds, including kittiwakes, razorbills, and puffins, due to potential collisions and restricted access to feeding areas.
Project Developments
Alinta Energy Shelves WA Offshore Wind Project: Alinta Energy has canceled its plans for an offshore wind project in Western Australia to focus on its Spinifex development in Victoria. This decision narrows the field of potential developers in WA and raises concerns about global interest in Australia's offshore wind market. Remaining bidders include Parkwinds, Flotation Energy, and OceanEx, with applications due by January 2025.
Regulatory Updates
BOEM Advances Gulf of Mexico Offshore Wind Leasing: The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is issuing a Determination of Competitive Interest in two Wind Energy Areas in the Gulf of Mexico, advancing the leasing process for offshore wind energy development in the region.
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