Offshore wind could power Alcoa’s Portland smelter in Australia
Australia’s Alinta Energy has announced the possibility of building an offshore wind farm valued at A$4 billion to supply Alcoa Inc’s Portland aluminium shelter as well as the east coast’s grid.
The concept is in very early stages, with Alinta surveying an area of 500 square kilometres where there is potential to tap a strong wind resource.
The company would still need to undertake environmental studies, technology and cost studies on top of approvals from both government and local communities prior to moving forward.
“We think the wind farm would need to be around 1,000 megawatts to be viable," Alinta's head of project development Kris Lynch said in a statement.
Despite thousands of kilometres of coastline with strong wind resources, Australia has no offshore wind farms. However, there are more than 10 proposals with a joined capacity exceeding 25 gigawatts.
The offshore industry has the capability to take off following new Government legislation setting out the long-anticipated framework for the development of offshore wind. It is to be noted however, that regulations from the law are still in the process of being established.
The Portland Smelter, run by Alcoa, has the potential to be up to 100% renewables, if Alinta’s Spinifex project goes ahead.
"This proposal offers an ability to make a step change impact to Portland Aluminium's carbon footprint," Portland Aluminium Smelter Manager Ron Jorgensen said in a statement.
Alinta Energy is a privately owned by Hong Kong conglomerate Chow Tai Fook Enterprises.