Bluefloat Energy has hosted a number of forums for industry leaders and local businesses to discuss the opportunities that are expected to become available as Australia’s offshore wind industry continues to grow.
Held alongside industry partners, Committee for Gippsland, HunterNet Co-operative, i3net (Illawarra Innovative Industry Network) and Industry Capability Network (ICN) the events in Morwell, Newcastle and Wollongong showcased the potential for local businesses and workers to benefit from the journey to net zero.
BlueFloat Energy is already working with local companies as it progresses the early stages of its four projects, the fourth being the Southern Winds Offshore Wind Project, off Portland. As the projects move forward, there will be significant demand for locally manufactured materials including steel, concrete and other construction materials.
Additionally, offshore wind development will see investment in infrastructure required to get the projects built, including ports and transmission, creating further employment and business opportunities.
During the forums, BlueFloat Energy CEO, Carlos Martin, joined panel discussions on the energy transition and supply chain opportunities for Australian projects. He emphasised the importance of working with communities and ensuring that local economic benefit and resources remain at the heart of developments.
Mr Martin said that the feedback from industry, which will help the company realise its projects, has been overwhelming.
“BlueFloat Energy aims first and foremost to ensure that we work with communities and local economies. The offshore wind industry is a growth opportunity for countless businesses across Australia and these industry forums were another step in establishing the connections that will be critical in bringing these projects to life,” Mr Martin said.
“We have extensive experience in developing projects globally and seeing the positive economic benefit for local communities and businesses. Australia is ideally placed to help us ensure a successful and seamless project delivery and we will continue to engage with the community and its workforce.
“I would like to thank all who attended the forums and look forward to working alongside them to deliver these key projects.”
BlueFloat Energy Australian Country Manager, Nick Sankey, said that from the outset and throughout all the engagements so far, coexistence and opportunities for local industry participation are the key priorities.
“The importance of local content in the development of offshore wind projects in Australia cannot be overstated,” Mr Sankey said.
“This is a fantastic step forward for Australia’s clean energy future, and based on the feedback we are very optimistic about working across Australia to create jobs, provide clean energy and ultimately, deliver value for the regions.”
New South Wales Ports General Manager Commercial and Business Development, Campbell Mason, said, “From our perspective, the development itself will involve a lot of construction, land reclamation and clean construction and clearly that’s going to involve local jobs.”
Featured image: One of Bluefloat’s industry forums. Image credit: Bluefloat Energy.
