Port of Bunbury enables State’s energy transition

The Port of Bunbury’s flexible capacity to handle large-scale project cargo continues to unlock critical energy transition projects across the state’s southern regions, with the latest import of over 180 windfarm components destined for the Wheatbelt.

The components will be transported by road to the King Rocks Wind Farm, which is under construction north-east of Hyden, over the coming months.

Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said the Port of Bunbury has a key role supporting Western Australia’s energy transition.

“The Port of Bunbury’s location and flexible capacity to facilitate large-scale project cargo means it’s perfectly positioned to aid the state’s energy transition,” Mr Wilks said.

“There are a range of renewable energy projects at various stages of development across the South West and neighbouring regions which are made viable by being able to move components through Bunbury.”

Working with Vestas, who is developing the windfarm for State-electricity supplier Synergy, 185 components were imported through the port across two shipments.

The AAL Shanghai arrived in mid-March ahead of the AAL Antwerp, carrying the 51 turbine blades, each up to 80 metres in length, in April. 

The components were moved into laydown ideally located less than 300 metres from the berth following their arrival.

“The Port’s current eight designated laydown areas combine to cover more than 136,000m² and are just a short distance from our general-purpose berth,” Mr Wilks said.

“The laydown access increases the viability of project cargo trade at the Port as it means transportation off site can be done as a matter of convenience rather than aligning with shipping movements.” 

“The Port of Bunbury has played a key role in energy transition projects right across the south of the state unlocking opportunities in the South West, Great Southern and now the Wheatbelt.”

As the import terminal, the Port of Bunbury has enabled Synergy’s Collie Battery Energy Storage System and the Enel Flat Rocks Wind Farm as well as other key energy transition projects.

Learn more about the King Rocks Wind Farm - here.