4C Offshore Empowering Intelligence

BlueFloat and partners plan 1.4 GW of offshore wind in New Zealand

4C Offshore | James Bernthal-Hooker
By: James Bernthal-Hooker 11/11/2022 BlueFloat Energy
BlueFloat Energy has announced that, with consortium partners Energy Estate and Elemental Group, it is planning a multi-billion-dollar investment in New Zealand.

The investment is in offshore wind in south Auckland and West Waikato, Aotearoa, known as Waikato Offshore Wind. This is the consortium’s second investment in New Zealand, and is part of a national effort to develop 5 GW of offshore wind. It will be developed in phases, according to the partners, totalling capacity up to 1.4 GW.

“We believe that offshore wind energy can help achieve 600% renewable energy in Aotearoa creating security of supply for the country, meeting increased demands for electrification and decarbonisation.” said Carlos Martin, Chief Executive Officer of BlueFloat Energy.

The first phase will be around 250 MW, located 22 km off the coast of West Waikato, using fixed foundations. Phase 2 could be a floating installation of 800-1,150 MW positioned north or west of Phase 1.

Initial site selection is complete and the project is currently in its feasibility stage.  As part of feasibility determinations, the project partners have engaged with iwi and key stakeholders. In a press release, the consortium described itself as “committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and … engaging in ongoing discussions with iwi and hapū in South Auckland and Waikato about potential partnership models, including co-design.”

Developers expect it to enter construction before 2030 and to have a lifecycle of 35-40 years.

For more information on offshore wind farms worldwide, click here.

Premium

ForeSEE Premium, our most popular subscription, gives you full access to use the ForeSEE WebApp which includes exclusive offshore wind, transmission and vessel reports, news and downloads.

Request a 30 minute Demo

Trending News!