Alinta Energy and JERA Nex, through its wholly owned subsidiary Parkwind, have agreed to jointly develop the 1 GW+ Spinifex Offshore Wind Farm in the Southern Ocean Region Declared Area in South West Victoria. Under the agreement Alinta Energy and JERA Nex, will apply their respective expertise and capabilities to jointly develop the Spinifex Project.
The parties have identified a site for the project and will continue engaging with local stakeholders to improve their proposal and progress the project. According to the project website, there were various reasons for selecting a site in South West Victoria: high wind potential, existing deep water port, existing high voltage substation, and vicinity of a potential customer like Portland Aluminium Smelter.
A study conducted in 2023 on local supply chain and industry development estimated that during its construction phase, the project could inject up to A$1.6 billion into the regional economy, with an ongoing annual contribution of A$40 million during operation. The two companies will jointly submit the feasibility licence application for a site within the declared area of Southern Ocean Region in the coming months.
REGlobal’s Views: JERA Nex already owns and operates various wind farms across the world in countries like Belgium, Germany, the UK, Japan, and Taiwan. Partnering with a local company like Alinta will give JERA Nex the required experience and expertise in the Australian market.