BlueFloat targets 7.6GW of floating offshore wind in Philippines, moves forward in Australia

Spanish offshore wind developer BlueFloat has announced plans to build up to 7.6GW of floating offshore wind in the Philippines as it also seeks to move forward with plans for at least two floating offshore wind projects in Australia.

BlueFloat and the Philippines department of energy announced this week that BlueFloat had acquired Wind Energy Service Contracts (WESCs) for four sites in the Philippines – Central Luzon, South Luzon, Northern Luzon, and Southern Mindoro.

BlueFloat has been working for 18 months on developing a presence for floating offshore wind in the Philippines, describing the country as being “known for its abundant natural resources and favourable coastal conditions” and adding that the country “is well-positioned to harness the power of offshore wind.”

“We believe that by tapping into the country’s vast clean energy potential, we can make a significant contribution towards reducing carbon emissions and fostering a sustainable future for generations to come,” said Carlos Martin, CEO of BlueFloat Energy.

Boasting has a pipeline of 32.4GW of both bottom-fixed and floating offshore wind projects across 10 countries, including Australia and New Zealand.

In Australia, BlueFloat continues its efforts to build the proposed 1.725MW Eastern Rise offshore wind project, located off the NSW Hunter coast, and has now scheduled community drop in sessions next week to gauge support for a proposed 1.6GW South Pacific offshore wind project off the Illawarra-Shoalhaven coast.

BlueFloat hopes to apply for a feasibility license once the government officially declares an offshore wind zone in the area. The licences will allow for environmental studies to be completed, as well as assessment and planning approvals over an estimated five-year period.

“BlueFloat Energy is committed to working with the community to bring the South Pacific Offshore Wind Project to life,” said Nick Sankey, BlueFloat Energy’s Australian country manager.

“It is important to us that we start conversations with the community early to share our plans and gather feedback. The first step for us is creating a map of where we’d like to develop the project and understanding design requirements.”