Bass Offshore Wind Energy Project: Tasmania’s Green Energy Game Changer

9th December 2021

As Australians increasingly call for the transition to a clean energy economy, emerging company Nexsphere (previously known as Brookvale Energy), has today announced its intention to develop the Bass Offshore Wind Energy project (BOWE). Located off the coast of north-eastern Tasmania, BOWE is a multi-billion-dollar offshore wind farm that is set to make good use of the opportunities offered by the world-class offshore wind resource in the Bass Strait. The BOWE windfarm will generate between 500-1,000 megawatts of renewable energy, enough to power over 325,000 homes and will assist in transitioning Australia’s grid to a low carbon future. As a result, the BOWE windfarm will reduce over 2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions annually, contributing to Australia’s net zero emissions by 2050 and Tasmania’s 200% renewable energy by 2040 targets. BOWE will provide and foster job creation and education, and massively boost spending in the local and State economies during its 40+ year life. Nexsphere CEO Glen Kierse said, “We’re committed to developing BOWE for the benefit of Tasmania. It will provide enormous long-term employment and investment opportunities and deliver significant growth for the State.” “The strength of offshore wind in Bass Strait is well known. Globally, offshore wind is a significant and growing part of the future for renewable energy. With BOWE, Tasmania can deliver major green energy solutions to its people and businesses, as well as position itself to export green energy to the mainland,” he added. According to Mr Kierse, the project will be a key driver in helping Australia achieve a net carbon neutral position. “Renewable energy and climate goals are taking priority overseas, and it’s an inevitable next step in Australia as well, especially as there is an increasing shift in the Australian psyche that is seeking action on climate change,” he explained. “With this in mind, BOWE will drive the discussion around green energy, and ultimately play a big role in helping Australia reach a net carbon neutral target in the foreseeable future.” Further announcements regarding timelines and development, including strategic and capital partners, will be made in the coming weeks. Nexsphere will seek to engage with local Tasmanian communities and businesses during the design, licensing, construction, and operation phases of the BOWE project. The Nexsphere team is working closely with the Tasmanian Government to ensure the project aligns with the proposed Battery of the Nation and Marinus Link Projects. In addition, BOWE’s green energy will be available for the Bell Bay Hydrogen Hub. BOWE will progress through the licencing process as set out in the recently released Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Bill 2021. With BOWE, Tasmania will lead the nation in delivering green energy solutions that will help Australia reach and exceed its emissions reduction targets.