EDF Renewables in Australia, a subsidiary of the French global energy player EDF, has announced the acquisition of the Newcastle Offshore Wind (NOW) Farm, a floating offshore project under development. Well situated near the Port of Newcastle and energy distribution networks, the project is proposed for the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) as part of the NSW Government Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. It will be developed in stages to support the Australian government’s renewable targets and align with the progressive retirement of the ageing coal-fired power stations in the region. 

Initial project developers Newcastle Offshore Wind Energy Pty Ltd (NOWE) have almost ten years’ experience on the project, working closely with the EDF Renewables’ team in Australia for the last 12 months. NOWE will continue to work on the project with EDF Renewables as a collaborative partnership that will be scaled up to meet the project needs, said CEO of EDF Renewables in Australia, Mr Dave Johnson. “NOWE, based in Newcastle, has put in a lot of effort to build up their local development expertise and connect with the community and stakeholders, which puts this project in a great position to succeed in the proposed location and especially within the local community,” said Mr Johnson. "It's always top priority for us to make sure the community and region benefit from our work and those benefits are clear, far-reaching, and impactful for the entire community."

Mr Johnson said both EDF Renewables in Australia and NOWE’s teams have previously worked extensively in the Hunter Region. “This landmark project will be developed in collaboration with a strong local team based in Newcastle, and will require the establishment of an entirely new industry in Australia. I am very confident that this project will play a crucial role in providing new opportunities for employment, establishing new business and the revitalisation of existing business looking to transition from existing industries”.

With  more than 10 years of expertise in offshore wind energy, EDF Renewables operates seven offshore wind farms globally and a further five under construction including one with floating technology in France. Mr Johnson said EDF Renewables and its partners are developing many offshore wind projects across North and Latin America, Europe, Asia and now Australia. “We are a significant player in developing large, complex projects like the proposed Newcastle Offshore Wind Farm,” he said.