Proposed Leeuwin Offshore Wind Farm project gains lead agency status from State Government

A proposal by a Danish company to build one of the world’s biggest wind farms off the South West coast has taken another step forward.

Copenhagen Energy is in the planning stages for the Leeuwin Offshore Wind Farm, proposed to be located 15km to 75km off the coast of Binningup.

Up to 200 turbines could be installed, generating three gigawatts of power a year — enough to provide electricity to three million homes.

The proposal has received a boost with the project recently being awarded lead agency status by the WA Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

The status was created by the State Government to streamline approvals for significant projects which could create jobs and development opportunities.

As a result of receiving the status, the project will be provided assistance with the approvals process across State, Federal and local government agencies.

Cophenhagen Energy Australian development manager Joy Francis-Hayes said the development was an exciting milestone for the project.

“This is recognition that the Leeuwin Offshore Wind Farm is a significant project for Western Australia, with the capacity to provide substantial economic, environmental and social benefits,” she said.

“It will help the State achieve its decarbonisation targets, provide jobs and create new skills.”

Once operational, the project is predicted to offset more than six million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year.

The company said up to 14,500 jobs were predicted for the project per gigawatt of generating capacity during the construction phase, with 200 jobs during its operation.

The wind farm is proposed for Federal waters.

Ms Francis-Hayes said the company was looking forward to progressing the project with help from the department.

“We have already spoken to many stakeholders,” she said.

“This engagement will continue and increase as we realise our plans.”

The biggest wind farm in the world is the Hornsea 2 project off the coast of the United Kingdom, which can power about 1.3 million homes.