EPISODE 8: Wind Energy

with Chris Kearney

Western Australia has always been known for its vast landscapes, rich resources, and world-leading mining operations—but the next big opportunity might just be blowing in the wind. This week on The Powerhouse Podcast, we explore the future of wind energy with Chris Kearney from Wind with Purpose, breaking down how wind power is set to reshape WA’s industrial sector.

There’s a lot of talk about renewables, but how practical is wind energy for industry? How does WA’s wind resource compare to its much-hyped solar potential? And why are businesses within the Western Trade Coast looking at wind as a game-changer for decarbonisation, energy security, and cost reduction?

We also dive into:

• Why wind power is more reliable than you think – WA isn’t just sunny, it’s also home to some of the strongest and most consistent wind resources in the country. With onshore and offshore wind projects picking up momentum, is WA finally ready to harness this potential?

• Catalpa Offshore Wind – Named after a historic Irish-Australian escape story, this offshore wind farm proposal could be a landmark project supplying clean energy directly into WA’s industrial heart.

• Industrial Symbiosis & Energy Sharing – Large businesses are not just generating power for themselves - they’re exploring ways to share excess energy with neighbours, making the Western Trade Coast an interconnected hub for sustainable energy use.

• The Role of the Buffer – The longstanding buffer zone around the Western Trade Coast protects industry from urban encroachment. But could wind turbines become a strategic reason to hold the line, preventing further pressure for rezoning while securing energy for industrial growth?

• Onshore vs. Offshore Wind – WA’s first offshore wind projects are on the horizon, but how do they compare to onshore turbines? What determines whether wind energy works best on land or at sea, and where are the best sites in WA?

Wind energy isn’t a future concept - it’s happening now, and businesses are leading the way. Listen to the full episode for a deep dive into WA’s wind-powered future.

Subscribe to the Powerhouse Podcast

IN THIS SHOW: 

Episode Highlights: The Future of Wind Energy in WA

1. Wind Energy vs. Solar: Which Works Best in WA? – Solar gets all the attention, but WA’s wind energy resources are some of the best in Australia. With turbines running at capacity more consistently than solar panels, is wind a better bet for WA’s industrial future?
2. Catalpa Offshore Wind: WA’s First Offshore Wind Farm? – The Catalpa Offshore Wind project is in the pipeline, with plans to supply up to two gigawatts of energy directly into the Western Trade Coast. But what does it take to build a wind farm offshore, and how soon could it become a reality?
3. Holding the Line: Wind Turbines as a Buffer Strategy – The Western Trade Coast buffer zone has long protected industry from urban encroachment. Could wind turbines become a defining feature of the buffer, keeping developers at bay while generating renewable energy for heavy industry?
4. Industrial Symbiosis: Sharing Energy to Cut Costs – Companies with available land are installing wind turbines to power their operations—but they’re also looking at ways to share surplus energy with other businesses. This cooperative approach to renewables is reshaping how industries think about power.
5. Onshore vs. Offshore Wind: What Works Best? – WA’s wind farms are expanding, both on land and offshore. What factors decide whether turbines are better suited inland or at sea, and how does WA compare to global wind energy hubs?

LINKS and RESOURCES:

• WIND WITH PURPOSE
• CONNECT WITH CHRIS ON LINKEDIN
• CATALPA RESCUE
• AUST RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY - WIND
• Western Trade Coast wiki for research and information

Ode to Catalpa: Winds of Change

From Fremantle’s shore in days of old,

A daring tale of six was told.

The Catalpa sailed with fate in hand,

To free a bound of irish-man. (from ironed land)

Through storm and swell, she made her way,

Defiant hearts would not betray.

With wind behind and courage wide,

She bore them o’er the rolling tide.

And now once more, her name sets sail,

A ship reborn, of grandeur scale.

No chains to break, but change to steer,

A future fuelled by winds so clear.

With steadfast hands, we shaped the course,

Through charts of law and tidal force.

Not wooden hull nor iron mast,

But towers strong to harness the blast.

For where once Catalpa braved the deep,

Now turbines will rise where oceans winds reap.

She moves again, though now she stands,

A beacon bright for distant lands.

The road was long, the trials vast,

Yet each of us stood firm and fast.

Through shifting tides and tempests near,

Our will held strong, we knew no fear.

Through drafts and doubts, through night and strain,

We pressed ahead through wind and rain.

With minds aligned and hands in sync,

We built the bridge from dream to brink.

So, raise a glass and lift a cheer,

For Catalpa’s course is bright and clear.

With winds behind and stars in sight,

We sail ahead into the night.

A toast to all, whose work was true

To those who dared, to me and you.

Through storm or calm, come what may,

Catalpa Offshore Wind Farm leads the way!

Proudly Sponsored By:

Stay informed with the latest updates from the Western Trade Coast

Subscribe to the WTC Newsletter today!