Venterra Group and Tonkin + Taylor have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on offshore wind projects in Australia and New Zealand. The partnership, announced in late February, comes as both countries push forward with ambitious offshore wind targets—Australia aiming for 32 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and New Zealand exploring up to 8 GW.
A Strategic Alliance for a Growing Market
The offshore wind sector in Australia and New Zealand is gaining momentum, driven by government policies supporting renewable energy expansion. Australia has designated several offshore wind zones to facilitate development, while New Zealand is in the process of establishing a regulatory framework for offshore wind projects.
With the demand for renewable energy surging, private sector collaborations are expected to play a key role in meeting national energy goals. The alliance between London-based Venterra Group and New Zealand-headquartered Tonkin + Taylor aims to leverage their respective strengths to accelerate offshore wind deployment.
Venterra, a global offshore wind services company founded in 2021, specialises in delivering full-lifecycle offshore wind solutions. Tonkin + Taylor, an environmental and engineering consultancy established in 1959, has extensive regional knowledge and experience working on infrastructure projects across Australasia and the Asia-Pacific.
“[This partnership] is a significant step in strengthening our offshore wind presence in Australia and New Zealand,” said Paul Doherty, Chief Commercial & Growth Officer at Venterra Group. “Tonkin + Taylor’s deep local expertise, combined with Venterra’s full lifecycle service offering and global offshore wind experience, creates a powerful platform to drive project success.”
Comprehensive Offshore Wind Services
Under the MoU, Venterra and Tonkin + Taylor will provide a suite of services essential for offshore wind farm development. These include:
- Owners’ engineering services – offering technical oversight and quality assurance.
- Environmental and geotechnical investigation – ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and assessing site conditions.
- Foundation design – developing both fixed and floating solutions for offshore wind turbines.
- Marine surveys – conducting acoustic, hydrographic, and ecosystem impact assessments.
- Project management and lifecycle engineering – supporting projects from planning through decommissioning.
- Unexploded ordnance (UXO) and metocean data analysis – ensuring safety and understanding oceanographic conditions.
Glen Nicholson, Energy Sector Director at Tonkin + Taylor, emphasised the importance of the collaboration in overcoming technical and environmental challenges unique to the region. “By combining our expertise with Venterra’s global capabilities, we are well-positioned to drive innovative, sustainable solutions that accelerate the region’s energy growth and transition,” Nicholson said.
Regulatory Challenges and Investment Outlook
The partnership comes at a crucial time as New Zealand works to establish regulations for offshore wind projects. The country’s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill, currently under review, seeks to provide developers with greater certainty. However, concerns remain that unclear policies could deter investment, as seen with the recent exit of offshore wind developer BlueFloat Energy from New Zealand.
In contrast, Australia has moved quickly to create designated offshore wind zones and streamline approval processes. The country is attracting significant investment, positioning itself as a key player in the Asia-Pacific offshore wind market.
David Champness, APAC Director at Venterra, acknowledged the complexities involved in offshore wind development, particularly in areas with challenging geological conditions and environmental sensitivities. “We acknowledge the distinct challenges associated with developing offshore wind projects in both Australia and New Zealand, including the complexities of geology, such as carbonate soils, as well as environmental and community considerations, including Indigenous and First Nation perspectives,” he said.
Supporting the Clean Energy Transition
The collaboration between Venterra and Tonkin + Taylor is expected to enhance investor confidence in the region’s offshore wind market.
“As governments and investors intensify their commitments to a cleaner energy future, this partnership strengthens Venterra and Tonkin + Taylor’s ability to confidently secure, develop, and deliver large-scale projects,” Venterra said in a statement.
With offshore wind set to play a critical role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and meeting decarbonisation targets, the alliance between Venterra and Tonkin + Taylor marks a significant step forward for renewable energy development in Australia and New Zealand.