An energy company has proposed a $1.75b windfarm to be located approximately 10km off the coast from Kingston.
The area is also close to existing infrastructure that will enable effective connection to South Australia’s electrical grid (part of the National Electricity Market area).
Offshore wind energy in Australia is still in its formative stages but has the potential to play a key role, supporting renewable energy targets and the development of clean tech industries.
The consistent, strong wind patterns offshore South Australia provide tremendous opportunity to develop high-capacity offshore wind energy.
The Kingston project is being developed by SA Offshore Windfarm Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Australis Energy Ltd.
If constructed, the project will comprise up to75 offshore wind turbine generators (WTGs) with supporting offshore and onshore electrical assets to safely transfer energy generated by the wind farm to the existing electricity network.
The size of individual WTGs is yet to be determined, with an anticipated capacity ranging between 8MW and 15MW.
The preferred turbines are the larger (15MW) WTGs, as fewer will be required (40), which will result in less construction activity and reduced visual impact.
The project will have a generation capacity of up to 600MW, enough to power over 400,000 South Australian homes, and create up to 100 permanent high-quality jobs for its lifespan.
The project is still at an early stage however, subject to planning and environmental approval, the company hopes to commence construction in summer 2024/25 and be generating electricity in 2027.
Australis chairman Mark Petterson said formal application for assessment had been lodged with the state and federal governments.
“We are delighted to have reached this milestone in the project,” he said.
“We look forward to working with the South Australian government as we progress the project through the environmental approvals process.
“The electricity generated by the proposed offshore windfarm will support the South Australian Government’s target of 100% renewables by 2030.
