Australia’s ‘small-but-mighty’ offshore wind project.
Blue Mackerel is a proposed offshore wind project, located approximately 10km off the coast of Brataualung and Tatungalung Country between Seaspray and Woodside Beach. The project could deliver up to 1GW of renewable energy by 2035 – that’s enough to power up to 750,000 Victorian homes per year.
As one of the first recipients of an offshore feasibility licence, Blue Mackerel will play an important role in Australia’s energy transition towards a low emissions future.
How it all began – Gippsland’s Renewable Energy Zone
In 2022, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) undertook a public consultation period for the proposed offshore wind zone off the coast off Gippsland. This was an area identified for its strong and steady winds, grid access, and proximity to energy demand.
Australia’s first offshore wind zone was then declared by the Australian Government on 19 December 2022, covering approximately 15,000 km² in Bass Strait with the potential power generation of 25GW. Following a competitive process with 37 applications, 12 projects were granted feasibility licences – including Blue Mackerel.
Our Feasibility Licence
Blue Mackerel was awarded a feasibility licence (FL001) in April 2024 for a 163 km² area. Over the course of the feasibility period, we must carry out detailed environmental assessments and protection measures, engineering and design, and regulatory approvals before any construction can begin.
Where are we now?
The Blue Mackerel project is in the early planning and feasibility stage. Since receiving our licence, we’ve already hit some major milestones:
- Completed marine geophysical and first stage geotechnical surveys; the first Australian offshore wind project to do so under the new Offshore Electricity Infrastructure regulations
- Launched metocean monitoring equipment
- Signed an Engagement Agreement with the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC)
- Commenced community engagement for development of a Community Benefits Program
- Started baseline environmental and social impact studies
What’s next?
This work will support the project to bid in a government-led energy auction. When successful, Blue Mackerel would then complete detailed environmental and planning approvals and apply for a commercial licence, with a plan to start construction of the project in 2033. The project would be operational in approximately 2035 for up to 40-years.
2024
Feasibility license awarded
2025-26
Marine and design surveys
2027
Submission to first offshore energy auction
2033
Earliest possible construction
2035
Blue Mackerel offshore wind farm expects to be operational
Regulatory framework
Australia has some of the most rigorous environmental and safety laws in the world for developing major infrastructure. Offshore wind is no exception. All investigations and future works are assessed under the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, the Victorian Marine and Coastal Act and oversight by the Offshore Infrastructure Regulator (OIR). From initial surveys to final decommissioning, every phase must meet strong safety, environmental, and cultural heritage requirements.
Environmental protection
Protecting the environment when we construct and operate an offshore wind project is vitally important. The Blue Mackerel project will undertake environmental surveys and impact assessments over the next two years. A range of scientific methods will be used to study: wind, waves, currents, ocean temperatures; shore and seabird studies; fish studies; whale and dolphin studies; fishing activities; among others. We’ll be providing updates to the community on the studies.
Engaging our communities
Strong community partnerships are at the heart of how we’re developing the Blue Mackerel Offshore Wind Project. Community and stakeholder input will help shape the project and create lasting environmental, economic and social benefits for Gippsland, Victoria and Australia. We are always available to hear your ideas and feedback, respond to any concerns and answer your questions.
Partnering with Traditional Owners
Blue Mackerel aspires to a genuine partnership with the Gunaikurnai people, represented by Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC). GLaWAC represent the custodians of the Land and Sea Country on which the project is planned. The project site is part of an interconnected cultural landscape that includes both land and waters.
Resources
Find Blue Mackerel fact sheets, documents, Q&A and other useful information.
About JERA Nex bp
Blue Mackerel is being developed by JERA Nex bp, a 50:50 joint venture between JERA Co. and bp.
With more than 15 years’ global experience in offshore wind, JERA Nex bp is one of the world’s largest offshore wind companies and an end-to-end developer, owner and operator. The company’s combined portfolio includes approximately 13GW of net potential generating capacity: around 1GW of installed capacity, 7.5GW in development, and 4.5GW from secured leases.
JERA Nex bp draws on the strength of two world-leading companies – JERA’s track record in delivering and operating offshore wind projects with bp’s extensive development portfolio and offshore energy expertise.