The Australian Federal Government has conferred Major Project Status on the 1 GW Blue Mackerel offshore wind development off Gippsland, formally recognising its planned contribution to the country’s net-zero targets and its emerging offshore wind industry.
Under this designation, Blue Mackerel will be able to work with a dedicated team within the Federal Major Projects Facilitation Agency, which will assist the project in progressing environmental and regulatory approvals. That support remains conditional on the required approvals being granted and on the award of a commercial licence.
Australia country manager Anil Chanana said the decision reflects confidence in Blue Mackerel and in the role it is expected to play in the offshore wind sector and in Australia’s energy transition. He pointed to the project’s scale, its expected contribution to energy security and emissions reduction, the long-term benefits for the local community, and the need to secure complex approvals accurately and on time.
Chanana also highlighted that Blue Mackerel is one of the earliest offshore wind developments to receive a feasibility licence and is the first project to obtain an approved management plan under the new offshore regulations. In his view, this positions the project to help replace retiring coal-fired generation with large-scale, reliable renewable power.
The project area lies about 10 km off the Gippsland coast on Brataualung and Tatungalung Country, between the communities of Seaspray and Woodside. At full capacity, Blue Mackerel is designed to provide up to 1 GW of generation and could supply enough electricity to cover the annual demand of as many as 750,000 Victorian homes by 2032.
Blue Mackerel is being developed by JERA Nex bp, which is owned on a 50:50 basis by JERA Co. and bp. The joint venture reports more than 15 years of global offshore wind experience and a net potential generation portfolio of around 13 GW, made up of close to 1 GW of installed capacity, about 7.5 GW in development, and roughly 4.5 GW linked to secured leases.
Commenting on the broader context, Chanana said the offshore wind industry is at a pivotal stage in Australia and internationally. He added that, from the company’s perspective, granting Major Project Status to renewable projects such as Blue Mackerel indicates the Australian Government’s backing for offshore wind and for a cleaner energy system.
