Spinifex Offshore Wind Farm

RPS tackles complex challenges of the Spinifex Offshore Wind Farm

The proposed Spinifex Offshore Wind Farm sits in the Southern Ocean offshore wind development zone near Portland, Victoria. Potentially featuring approximately 70 turbines, the project aims to generate 1.2 GW of green energy. If approved, it could provide electricity to around 650,000 Victorian homes each year. Additionally, the Portland Aluminium Smelter is a potential customer for the project, which could make it the first aluminium smelter to be powered by renewable energy.

In September 2024, the Federal Government granted a preliminary feasibility license to the project, pending further consultation with Traditional Owners (this engagement is related to future implications of the Native Title Act). As one of the early entrants into the Australian offshore wind market, Spinifex needs to navigate the evolving regulatory requirements and complex environmental conditions of the Southern Ocean region.

The project requires a comprehensive strategy addressing feasibility, approvals, marine baseline studies, and managing of evolving regulations. Additionally, Spinifex needs support to effectively engage a wide range of stakeholders, including government bodies, First Nations groups, local communities, and industry groups, to ensure seamless project progression, regulatory compliance, and to generate social licence.  

RPS was first engaged in 2021 to help address these complexities through a combination of environmental and technical studies, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory advice. Our multidisciplinary team of marine scientists, approvals experts, planners, communications and engagement specialists, and project managers has been instrumental in shaping project decisions. 

Exploring the feasibility and impact of the Spinifex Offshore Wind Farm

Since 2021, RPS has collaborated with Alinta Energy to conduct research, tests, and consultations. RPS provided early-phase development support, including baseline survey scoping, development of an approvals strategy (covering both Commonwealth and Victorian legislation), communications and stakeholder engagement, supply chain studies, and assessments to identify any strategic or technical, considerations that might impact future approvals processes. 

To date, key deliverables include:
•    Site fatal flaw assessment
•    Geotech and geophysical referrals
•    An approvals strategy
•    Local supply chain and industry development study
•    Communications and engagement strategy 
•    Scoping of marine studies 
•    A draft economic development study. 

Comprehensive project support from RPS

For the past four years, RPS has been integral to the Spinifex project early development efforts, conducting fatal flaw analyses, advising on new regulatory frameworks, and providing expert guidance on licensing and permitting requirements. RPS has also facilitated effective communication and engagement with key stakeholders to ensure the project can advance smoothly through regulatory hurdles.  

As the principal consultant, RPS has played a central role in the feasibility license application, marine environmental baseline surveys, engagement scopes, and planning and environmental technical studies. Our work also covers Commonwealth and Victorian Government environmental approval processes. 

RPS continues to support on pre-licence activities, such as conducting marine environmental baseline surveys to collect critical data and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. These findings will guide the implementation of mitigation measures aimed at reducing environmental impacts. We are also assisting Alinta Energy with scoping for offshore studies and referrals under State and Commonwealth environmental legislation.

If approved, the Spinifex Offshore Wind Farm will have the potential to generate 1.2 GW of the proposed 9 GW required to support Victorian and offshore wind renewable energy targets. With a large workforce needed to deliver the wind farm and related infrastructure, the project is set to significantly boost regional employment and economic growth. 

Milestones

• 2021: Completion of early-phase development activities, fatal flaws assessment, approvals strategy, baseline survey scoping, and initial stakeholder engagement and facilitation

• 2022: Completion of supply chain and industry development study

• 2023: Appointed as principal consultant

• 2024: Alinta Energy and Parkwind announce partnership to develop Spinifex.