SeaTwirl and Australian company Hunter Floating Offshore Wind (HFLOW) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 22 September 2026 for a proposed 20 MW floating offshore wind demonstration project off Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. HFLOW is responsible for project development activities in Australia, including permits, stakeholder engagement, financing, port and grid connection. SeaTwirl will contribute its technology, a reference design and engineering support.
The project is planned to use SeaTwirl’s 2 MW floating vertical-axis turbine, which is being developed through the EU-funded VERTI-GO project. HFLOW is applying for a research and demonstration licence for the project in the Hunter offshore wind zone.
One objective is to establish a pathway from the demonstration project to larger commercial deployments. The MoU includes a 24-month mutual exclusivity period. During this period, HFLOW will base the project on SeaTwirl’s technology and will not use another floating wind technology, while SeaTwirl will not appoint another Australian development partner for the project.
Each party will cover its own costs during the preparatory phase. The MoU does not specify any amounts, values or commitments relating to project delivery or investment. Neither party is obliged to proceed with the project until separate binding agreements are in place.
The Hunter offshore wind zone was designated by the Australian Government in July 2023. It covers 1,854 km² off the coast of New South Wales and has a potential capacity of up to 5 GW, according to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Since 23 January 2026, developers have been able to apply for research and demonstration licences in Australia’s six offshore wind zones. These licences are valid for up to 10 years but do not provide a direct route to a commercial licence. The Hunter zone does not currently have a licence holder.
