The application period for feasibility licences, to be issued by the Federal Government, closed on November 14.

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EDF Renewables Energy is a wholly owned subsidiary of the EDF Group, the second largest generator of electricity in the world and the fifth largest generator of renewable energy.

With renewable energy projects in operation and development around the globe, EDF has turned its eyes to the Hunter, exploring the option of building an offshore wind farm in the recently declared zone.

The NOW project was originally acquired by EDF Renewables from a consortium of Newcastle-based renewable energy developers, a fact which EDF say provides the company with a “strong understanding of community requirements and expectations”.

In October, EDF entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Newcastle to collaborate on “research, education and innovation” if its application for a feasibility licence is successful.

EDF forecast the project, if it goes ahead, will create over 4,000 highly skilled jobs during construction and over 250 jobs during operation.

With high levels of concern in the community regarding the environmental impact of offshore wind development, EDF’s feasibility licence application outlined a plan to conduct extensive environmental studies over multiple years to ascertain the potential impact of the project on marine life, as well as effects on current maritime and marine users.

EDF Renewables Australia CEO Dave Johnson said he was aware of local concerns.

“The granting of a feasibility licence for the NOW project will allow EDF Renewables Australia to further work with the community to truly understand the impacts prior to beginning the project’s assessment and approval process.

“These concerns can then be designed and addressed throughout the development process.”

Mr Johnson also indicated that EDF were committed to ongoing community consultation.

“We want to hear what all of the community really thinks,” said Mr Johnson.

“Our commitment to regular and transparent community consultation is critical to the engagement for any project, and even more so for a regionally significant transformation project such as NOW.

“During the development of other projects across our portfolio, EDF Renewables Australia has amended its project scope to accommodate community concerns prior to commencing development approval processes.

“It’s important we receive a range of feedback from different stakeholders, so the project can proceed with these concerns addressed.”

For more information on the Hunter offshore wind zone, visit www.dcceew.gov.au/energy/renewable/offshore-wind/areas/hunter.