RENEWABLE ENERGY —
OFFSHORE WIND ZONES
618. Hon SOPHIA MOERMOND to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Energy:
Federal Minister for Climate Change
and Energy, Chris Bowen, has started a consultation process to declare several
Australian coastal areas offshore wind zones, including in the Indian Ocean off
Perth and Bunbury.
(1) Has the minister met with his
federal counterpart to discuss the proposal; and, if so, when?
(2) How do offshore wind zones fit into the Western Australian
government's energy transformation strategy?
(3) Will the
government commit to extensive community consultation with businesses and
communities prior to the establishment of any such zones?
Hon
MATTHEW SWINBOURN replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. The following information has been provided by the
Minister for Energy.
(1) No.
(2) Offshore wind
is likely to be one of a number of renewable energy sources that may seek to
connect to the state's main grid to support industry's demand
for renewable electricity. As such, it will be considered in the state
government's energy transition and power system planning processes.
(3) The consultation is a matter
for the federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy.