Norwegian oil company Equinor has exited the 1.5GW Bass Offshore Wind Energy project in the Bass Strait between Tasmania and the Australian mainland that it was co-developing along with an Australian-owned energy company.
A spokesperson for Equinor confirmed that “Equinor and Nexsphere have made the decision not to proceed together with the Bass Offshore Wind Energy project in Tasmania”.
Equinor confirmed its withdrawal from the offshore wind project as it shifts back to its primary focus as an oil and gas major.
The spokesperson said Equinor is focusing on its “early phase development activities within renewables and offshore wind”.
It is unclear whether the project is going ahead.
Windpower Monthly has contacted Nexsphere for comment.
Equinor announced earlier this year a retreat from plans to develop offshore wind projects in several countries including Portugal, Spain and Vietnam. It also announced cuts last year of around 250 full-time job losses to its renewables division, adding that the number of workers leaving the company would be lower, as some workers would be offered jobs in other business areas.
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