Plans to build Australia’s first offshore wind farm off the coast of Victoria have taken a step forward, after one of the world’s leading offshore wind developers was brought in on the proposed 2GW project.

Melbourne-based Offshore Energy (www.offshorenergy.com.au), which is leading the project, said earlier this month that it had entered into a partnership with Danish outfit Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), to progress development of the $8 billion 250-turbine wind farm — capable of powering 1.2 million homes.

The Melbourne-based company was founded just five years ago, under the leadership of CEO Andy Evans (formerly of Acciona) and chairman Terry Kallis (former chief of Petratherm).

The new partnership with CIP will initially undertake further development of the proposed site for the wind farm (off the Victorian coast in the Bass Strait).

Mr Evans said: “Offshore Energy is delighted to partner with CIP to develop Australia’s first offshore wind farm.

“The partnership brings together local knowledge and proven international experience that we believe will deliver many benefits for Australia, Victoria and local communities.”

Mr Evans, who in his former role at Acciona helped to build the Waubra onshore wind farm in Victoria, said that offshore wind’s “natural high capacity and more-constant generation made it a potentially important ingredient in Australia’s transition away from fossil fuels.”