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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 2032 – that’s enough to power up to 750,000 Victorian homes per year.

The project is in the feasibility and planning stage.

This stage involves undertaking marine surveys to inform the design of the project. 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 2029. The project would be operational in approximately 2032 for up to 40-years.

We are planning for approximately 69 turbines; however, this total number is based on our initial layout, design and specifications, using current turbines planned for use in Australia. We are still relatively early into our feasibility studies and will advise when a final design is determined.

It’s expected that the turbines will stand approximately 271 metres tall from the ocean surface, with a hub height of around 153 metres and a rotor diameter of 236 metres. The blades will each measure up to 115 metres in length. Each turbine will have a capacity of 15 megawatts (MW) – the largest size currently approved for use in Australia.

Offshore wind turbines are anchored to the seabed using different types of foundations, depending on the depth at which the wind turbine will be installed.

Monopile – a relatively simple structure, using a single steel pole which is anchored directly to the seabed. The pole is buried up to 30m below the seabed to support the shaft of the wind turbine.
Jacket – a steel framework with multiple anchor points to the seabed. The turbine shaft is securely fastened to the top of the jacket.
Gravity foundation system – a large concrete or steel foundation base that sits on the seabed. The wind turbine shaft is installed on top of this base.

The type of foundations will be informed by detailed planning and investigations which are currently underway to help us better understand the seabed geology and the wind and wave conditions.

Our project area spans 163km2 . We anticipate the turbines will be designed to be installed approximately 1km apart from each other.

Wind turbines harm a fraction as many birds as are killed in other ways. Far greater threat is climate change, which threatens many species with extinction. Wind power is an important way of reducing that threat.

Studies conducted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service demonstrate the overwhelmingly greatest risk to birds are cats. This risk is followed by tall glass buildings, cars and telecommunications towers.

Our team will undertake environmental surveys to identify and understand existing bird behaviour in the project area. These surveys will include consultation with the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) as representatives of the Traditional Owners of the area. These surveys will help design the project to minimise the risk to birds, including those of environmental and cultural significance.

Simple design measures, such as maintaining a suitable distance between the wingtip to ocean surface (where most birds fly) can protect many bird species. The team will also assess the design and the location of turbines within the site and examine the use of technological solutions to minimise impact on birds, based on studies and evidence.

Broadly, marine scientists agree that the largest threat to marine mammals is climate change. There has been no evidence that the operation of offshore wind projects harms whales or other marine mammals.

All projects, including Blue Mackerel will undertake comprehensive environmental assessments to understand all marine animals that use the site, and aim to mitigate any possible impacts – particularly during construction. This may mean, for example, construction methods are planned to be less noisy. Or, that activities are planned outside whale migration, and that technical protections (such as ‘bubble curtains’) are used to reduce noise and protect whales’ hearing.

One of the many environmental studies being undertaken by Blue Mackerel right now includes a detailed study of whales using: existing historical records of whales using records databases, published literature and reports; and passive acoustic monitoring using specialist recording devices placed in the ocean within the Blue Mackerel Feasibility Licence area. The study will include recorded whale sightings along Ninety Mile Beach near Seaspray and further afield, so historical records will certainly be included.

The project is being designed with decommissioning in mind. We are required to prepare and submit a full decommissioning strategy as part of our environmental impact assessments. We are carefully observing decommissioning activities of other offshore infrastructure around the world and learning from current, best practice approaches.

Nature-inclusive design is a key consideration in our planning and investigations. We are exploring design options that can enhance aquaculture and environmental values in and around the wind turbines. This also includes giving consideration to the benefits and risks of designing foundations so they can be left permanently in the seabed to support and protect the marine ecosystem that generates around them.

Technology has improved, and offshore wind turbines are now up to 90% recyclable.