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The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Offshore wind partners given more time to consider involvement in Hunter project
Novocastrian Wind Pty Ltd has been given more time to weigh up its involvement in the Hunter's offshore wind project due to uncertainty that is rocking the global industry. Project partners, Australian company Oceanex and Norwegian energy giant Equinor, were offered a feasibility licence for their two GW project in late February. The government initially gave the partners 90 days to consider the offer, given that the offer was made just prior to the federal election campaign. The timeframe expired last week. The government has since agreed to allow another 90 days for the partners to develop their commercial arrangements, given the challenges facing the industry. While Oceanex is keen to move ahead, Equinor's recent public statements have raised questions about its commitment to the project. If they are unable to resolve their issues, the government could be forced to call for fresh licence applications for the zone, which it declared in 2023. Oceanex founder and chief executive Andy Evans told the Newcastle Herald that the company remained committed to making the Novocastrian Wind project a reality. "We love the region and the people, and we know it's the perfect place to start a floating offshore wind industry in Australia," he said. In previous statements, Equinor has said that it was assessing the government's offer as part of the prescribed legislative framework. On Tuesday, a spokeswoman said the company continued to believe Newcastle had strong characteristics for an offshore wind industry, including a legacy of heavy industry and innovation, supply chain capabilities, infrastructure and wind resources offshore. "We will continue to assess the feasibility licence, and if accepted, the initial focus will be on community and stakeholder engagement, supply chain development, as well as environmental studies and baseline surveys," the spokeswoman said. "This phase is expected to take up to seven years, and consultation with stakeholders is a key component of environmental approvals under legislative and regulatory requirements." The Herald understands Equinor will also have to make significant milestone payments to its commercial partner if it signs off on the licence. Equinor, formerly known as Statoil, changed its name in 2018 as part of a rebrand away from oil and gas to broader energy generation. Throughout 2024, it announced a retreat from offshore wind, closing its office in Vietnam and cancelling all offshore wind projects in Portugal and Spain. It also reduced the number of employees in its renewable energy division by 20 per cent, roughly a cut of 250 jobs globally. In February 2025, as part of its Q4 and 2024 annual results, Equinor announced it would halve its renewables investment from US$ 10 billion to US$5 billion. It has also lowered its capacity for renewables from 12 - 16 GW to between 10 -12 GW. The company recently recommenced construction of its 810-megawatt Empire Wind 1 project off downstate New York after the Trump administration claimed there were "serious issues with respect to the project approvals". Aside from offshore wind, the company has been lifting its investments in offshore oil, including plans to invest US$6.7 billion each year through to 2035 in Norway's offshore oil sector. Overall, it is increasing oil and gas production, aiming for a 10 per cent growth from 2024 to 2027. In April 2025, institutional investors, including a Danish and Swedish pension fund, as well as Australia's Centre for Corporate Responsibility, expressed their concerns at the incompatibility of the plans with Equinor's stated commitment to net zero. Despite a high-profile campaign against the Hunter Offshore Wind Project in the lead-up to last month's federal election, Labor increased its majority in the seat of Paterson. Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said on Tuesday that the offshore wind had huge economic and employment potential for the Hunter and Australia. "When you're starting a new industry, you'll always have challenges to overcome, but the future remains potentially very strong for offshore wind and all the jobs that it involves," he said. Mr Bowen was in Western Australia's Bunbury offshore wind zone on Tuesday to offer a feasibility licence to Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm Pty Ltd to operate in the northern part of the zone. The project has the potential to deliver 1.5 gigawatts of reliable renewable electricity, enough to power about one million homes, and could employ 900 workers during construction with 450 ongoing jobs. The Minister has shortlisted two projects: one from Westward Wind Pty Ltd and an additional project from Bunbury Offshore Wind Pty Ltd for a preliminary feasibility licence in the southern area of the zone. The two applicants will now seek to resolve the overlap between them. Novocastrian Wind Pty Ltd has been given more time to weigh up its involvement in the Hunter's offshore wind project due to uncertainty that is rocking the global industry. Project partners, Australian company Oceanex and Norwegian energy giant Equinor, were offered a feasibility licence for their two GW project in late February. The government initially gave the partners 90 days to consider the offer, given that the offer was made just prior to the federal election campaign. The timeframe expired last week. The government has since agreed to allow another 90 days for the partners to develop their commercial arrangements, given the challenges facing the industry. While Oceanex is keen to move ahead, Equinor's recent public statements have raised questions about its commitment to the project. If they are unable to resolve their issues, the government could be forced to call for fresh licence applications for the zone, which it declared in 2023. Oceanex founder and chief executive Andy Evans told the Newcastle Herald that the company remained committed to making the Novocastrian Wind project a reality. "We love the region and the people, and we know it's the perfect place to start a floating offshore wind industry in Australia," he said. In previous statements, Equinor has said that it was assessing the government's offer as part of the prescribed legislative framework. On Tuesday, a spokeswoman said the company continued to believe Newcastle had strong characteristics for an offshore wind industry, including a legacy of heavy industry and innovation, supply chain capabilities, infrastructure and wind resources offshore. "We will continue to assess the feasibility licence, and if accepted, the initial focus will be on community and stakeholder engagement, supply chain development, as well as environmental studies and baseline surveys," the spokeswoman said. "This phase is expected to take up to seven years, and consultation with stakeholders is a key component of environmental approvals under legislative and regulatory requirements." The Herald understands Equinor will also have to make significant milestone payments to its commercial partner if it signs off on the licence. Equinor, formerly known as Statoil, changed its name in 2018 as part of a rebrand away from oil and gas to broader energy generation. Throughout 2024, it announced a retreat from offshore wind, closing its office in Vietnam and cancelling all offshore wind projects in Portugal and Spain. It also reduced the number of employees in its renewable energy division by 20 per cent, roughly a cut of 250 jobs globally. In February 2025, as part of its Q4 and 2024 annual results, Equinor announced it would halve its renewables investment from US$ 10 billion to US$5 billion. It has also lowered its capacity for renewables from 12 - 16 GW to between 10 -12 GW. The company recently recommenced construction of its 810-megawatt Empire Wind 1 project off downstate New York after the Trump administration claimed there were "serious issues with respect to the project approvals". Aside from offshore wind, the company has been lifting its investments in offshore oil, including plans to invest US$6.7 billion each year through to 2035 in Norway's offshore oil sector. Overall, it is increasing oil and gas production, aiming for a 10 per cent growth from 2024 to 2027. In April 2025, institutional investors, including a Danish and Swedish pension fund, as well as Australia's Centre for Corporate Responsibility, expressed their concerns at the incompatibility of the plans with Equinor's stated commitment to net zero. Despite a high-profile campaign against the Hunter Offshore Wind Project in the lead-up to last month's federal election, Labor increased its majority in the seat of Paterson. Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said on Tuesday that the offshore wind had huge economic and employment potential for the Hunter and Australia. "When you're starting a new industry, you'll always have challenges to overcome, but the future remains potentially very strong for offshore wind and all the jobs that it involves," he said. Mr Bowen was in Western Australia's Bunbury offshore wind zone on Tuesday to offer a feasibility licence to Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm Pty Ltd to operate in the northern part of the zone. The project has the potential to deliver 1.5 gigawatts of reliable renewable electricity, enough to power about one million homes, and could employ 900 workers during construction with 450 ongoing jobs. The Minister has shortlisted two projects: one from Westward Wind Pty Ltd and an additional project from Bunbury Offshore Wind Pty Ltd for a preliminary feasibility licence in the southern area of the zone. The two applicants will now seek to resolve the overlap between them. Novocastrian Wind Pty Ltd has been given more time to weigh up its involvement in the Hunter's offshore wind project due to uncertainty that is rocking the global industry. Project partners, Australian company Oceanex and Norwegian energy giant Equinor, were offered a feasibility licence for their two GW project in late February. The government initially gave the partners 90 days to consider the offer, given that the offer was made just prior to the federal election campaign. The timeframe expired last week. The government has since agreed to allow another 90 days for the partners to develop their commercial arrangements, given the challenges facing the industry. While Oceanex is keen to move ahead, Equinor's recent public statements have raised questions about its commitment to the project. If they are unable to resolve their issues, the government could be forced to call for fresh licence applications for the zone, which it declared in 2023. Oceanex founder and chief executive Andy Evans told the Newcastle Herald that the company remained committed to making the Novocastrian Wind project a reality. "We love the region and the people, and we know it's the perfect place to start a floating offshore wind industry in Australia," he said. In previous statements, Equinor has said that it was assessing the government's offer as part of the prescribed legislative framework. On Tuesday, a spokeswoman said the company continued to believe Newcastle had strong characteristics for an offshore wind industry, including a legacy of heavy industry and innovation, supply chain capabilities, infrastructure and wind resources offshore. "We will continue to assess the feasibility licence, and if accepted, the initial focus will be on community and stakeholder engagement, supply chain development, as well as environmental studies and baseline surveys," the spokeswoman said. "This phase is expected to take up to seven years, and consultation with stakeholders is a key component of environmental approvals under legislative and regulatory requirements." The Herald understands Equinor will also have to make significant milestone payments to its commercial partner if it signs off on the licence. Equinor, formerly known as Statoil, changed its name in 2018 as part of a rebrand away from oil and gas to broader energy generation. Throughout 2024, it announced a retreat from offshore wind, closing its office in Vietnam and cancelling all offshore wind projects in Portugal and Spain. It also reduced the number of employees in its renewable energy division by 20 per cent, roughly a cut of 250 jobs globally. In February 2025, as part of its Q4 and 2024 annual results, Equinor announced it would halve its renewables investment from US$ 10 billion to US$5 billion. It has also lowered its capacity for renewables from 12 - 16 GW to between 10 -12 GW. The company recently recommenced construction of its 810-megawatt Empire Wind 1 project off downstate New York after the Trump administration claimed there were "serious issues with respect to the project approvals". Aside from offshore wind, the company has been lifting its investments in offshore oil, including plans to invest US$6.7 billion each year through to 2035 in Norway's offshore oil sector. Overall, it is increasing oil and gas production, aiming for a 10 per cent growth from 2024 to 2027. In April 2025, institutional investors, including a Danish and Swedish pension fund, as well as Australia's Centre for Corporate Responsibility, expressed their concerns at the incompatibility of the plans with Equinor's stated commitment to net zero. Despite a high-profile campaign against the Hunter Offshore Wind Project in the lead-up to last month's federal election, Labor increased its majority in the seat of Paterson. Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said on Tuesday that the offshore wind had huge economic and employment potential for the Hunter and Australia. "When you're starting a new industry, you'll always have challenges to overcome, but the future remains potentially very strong for offshore wind and all the jobs that it involves," he said. Mr Bowen was in Western Australia's Bunbury offshore wind zone on Tuesday to offer a feasibility licence to Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm Pty Ltd to operate in the northern part of the zone. The project has the potential to deliver 1.5 gigawatts of reliable renewable electricity, enough to power about one million homes, and could employ 900 workers during construction with 450 ongoing jobs. The Minister has shortlisted two projects: one from Westward Wind Pty Ltd and an additional project from Bunbury Offshore Wind Pty Ltd for a preliminary feasibility licence in the southern area of the zone. The two applicants will now seek to resolve the overlap between them. Novocastrian Wind Pty Ltd has been given more time to weigh up its involvement in the Hunter's offshore wind project due to uncertainty that is rocking the global industry. Project partners, Australian company Oceanex and Norwegian energy giant Equinor, were offered a feasibility licence for their two GW project in late February. The government initially gave the partners 90 days to consider the offer, given that the offer was made just prior to the federal election campaign. The timeframe expired last week. The government has since agreed to allow another 90 days for the partners to develop their commercial arrangements, given the challenges facing the industry. While Oceanex is keen to move ahead, Equinor's recent public statements have raised questions about its commitment to the project. If they are unable to resolve their issues, the government could be forced to call for fresh licence applications for the zone, which it declared in 2023. Oceanex founder and chief executive Andy Evans told the Newcastle Herald that the company remained committed to making the Novocastrian Wind project a reality. "We love the region and the people, and we know it's the perfect place to start a floating offshore wind industry in Australia," he said. In previous statements, Equinor has said that it was assessing the government's offer as part of the prescribed legislative framework. On Tuesday, a spokeswoman said the company continued to believe Newcastle had strong characteristics for an offshore wind industry, including a legacy of heavy industry and innovation, supply chain capabilities, infrastructure and wind resources offshore. "We will continue to assess the feasibility licence, and if accepted, the initial focus will be on community and stakeholder engagement, supply chain development, as well as environmental studies and baseline surveys," the spokeswoman said. "This phase is expected to take up to seven years, and consultation with stakeholders is a key component of environmental approvals under legislative and regulatory requirements." The Herald understands Equinor will also have to make significant milestone payments to its commercial partner if it signs off on the licence. Equinor, formerly known as Statoil, changed its name in 2018 as part of a rebrand away from oil and gas to broader energy generation. Throughout 2024, it announced a retreat from offshore wind, closing its office in Vietnam and cancelling all offshore wind projects in Portugal and Spain. It also reduced the number of employees in its renewable energy division by 20 per cent, roughly a cut of 250 jobs globally. In February 2025, as part of its Q4 and 2024 annual results, Equinor announced it would halve its renewables investment from US$ 10 billion to US$5 billion. It has also lowered its capacity for renewables from 12 - 16 GW to between 10 -12 GW. The company recently recommenced construction of its 810-megawatt Empire Wind 1 project off downstate New York after the Trump administration claimed there were "serious issues with respect to the project approvals". Aside from offshore wind, the company has been lifting its investments in offshore oil, including plans to invest US$6.7 billion each year through to 2035 in Norway's offshore oil sector. Overall, it is increasing oil and gas production, aiming for a 10 per cent growth from 2024 to 2027. In April 2025, institutional investors, including a Danish and Swedish pension fund, as well as Australia's Centre for Corporate Responsibility, expressed their concerns at the incompatibility of the plans with Equinor's stated commitment to net zero. Despite a high-profile campaign against the Hunter Offshore Wind Project in the lead-up to last month's federal election, Labor increased its majority in the seat of Paterson. Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said on Tuesday that the offshore wind had huge economic and employment potential for the Hunter and Australia. "When you're starting a new industry, you'll always have challenges to overcome, but the future remains potentially very strong for offshore wind and all the jobs that it involves," he said. Mr Bowen was in Western Australia's Bunbury offshore wind zone on Tuesday to offer a feasibility licence to Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm Pty Ltd to operate in the northern part of the zone. The project has the potential to deliver 1.5 gigawatts of reliable renewable electricity, enough to power about one million homes, and could employ 900 workers during construction with 450 ongoing jobs. The Minister has shortlisted two projects: one from Westward Wind Pty Ltd and an additional project from Bunbury Offshore Wind Pty Ltd for a preliminary feasibility licence in the southern area of the zone. The two applicants will now seek to resolve the overlap between them.


NDTV
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Australian Vlogger's Funny Take On What Indians Would Do On Titanic Wins Approval Of Chai Lovers
It is no secret that Indians love their chai. This drink is more than just tea. As any chai lover will tell you, it is an emotion, a ritual, a lifeline and much more. Indians don't need an excuse or a specific timing to enjoy tea - they drink it during meals, between meals and at any other time of the day (or night) when they need the kind of refreshment and satisfaction only chai can provide. What has got us talking about this beverage all of a sudden? Well, a recent viral video by an Australian vlogger features a rather cheeky take on Indian's love for tea. Also Read: Viral Video Shows Australian Dad In Love With Masala Chai In India, Wins Hearts Online The popular content creator, whose name is Andy Evans (@theaussiebhai), shared a reel titled "Indian People on Titanic." In the clip, Andy is seen acting as if he is almost drowning. The water is up to his neck, but he holds a cup of chai in his left hand. Despite almost being pulled under, he is seen taking a sip of the hot beverage. "Use my last breath for chai," reads the caption of the viral video. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aussie Bhai | Andy Evans (@theaussiebhai) The video has resonated with many Indian users. Read how they reacted below: "Sipping on chai as I watch this reel." "So offensive, but do it again. Next time, please add adrak." "That chai is too watery for us, mate!" "That's quite thin. Need a little extra milk." "How did you get my footage?" "I had TEArs after watching this." "As an Indian and chai lover, I can approve this." "100 problems, 1 solution = Chai." "Chai pee kay maregay." ["We'll only die after drinking chai."] "What else would we use it (last breath) for?!" here.


News18
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
How Would Indians React To The Titanic Sinking? With Some Chai, Of Course
Last Updated: A viral video of a man sipping chai in neck-deep water was relatable for Indians around the world. For Indians, chai isn't just a drink—it's an emotion, a ritual, and often, the solution to all of life's problems. Whether it's a stressful day at work, bad weather, or even a moment of existential crisis, chai is the ultimate companion. It binds families, fuels conversations, and brings comfort like nothing else. So, when a viral video surfaced showing how a man on the Titanic would sip tea in neck-deep water, Indians everywhere instantly related. Influencer Andy Evans, better known by his handle Aussie Bhai, has posted the video on his account. The viral clip, posted on Instagram on May 26, has racked up over 9.7 million views. Titled 'Indian People on Titanic", it hilariously reimagines how Indians might have handled the sinking of the ship—with a hot cup of chai in hand. The video opens with dramatic music playing in the background as a man is shown submerged in water up to his neck. But instead of panicking or trying to escape, he is calmly sipping chai from a glass mug, with the poise and pride of someone who knows his priorities. He takes a couple of exaggerated sips, savouring the moment, before slowly disappearing underwater—never spilling a drop. It's dramatic, absurd, and oh-so-relatable. What makes this video comedic gold is the exaggerated calmness in chaos. 'Use my last breath for chai," the caption on the video reads. Watch the video here: Users responded with comments like 'So offensive, but do it again. Next time please add adrak (ginger)," and 'Life jacket no Chai yes." Others critiqued the authenticity of the chai itself—'That chai is too watery for us mate," and 'Need a little extra milk." A user commented, 'Sipping on chai as I watch this reel," turning it into a full-circle moment. The satire is playful and resonates with chai lovers around the world. This viral video proves one thing: no matter the crisis, Indians will always choose chai first. And we all agree.


NDTV
09-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
"Chole Bhature Always Putting Me To Sleep": Australian Vlogger's Viral Reel Has Foodies Nodding In Agreement
After eating a particularly heavy dish or meal, many of us naturally find ourselves feeling drowsy. Some people purposely avoid certain foods because of this tendency. After all, long working days mostly afford no time for a post-lunch nap! Many Indian dishes are particularly known to induce this kind of "food coma", and one of them is the beloved North Indian combo of chole bhature. Recently, an Australian vlogger's reel on the same topic went viral on Instagram and resonated with many desi foodies. Also Read: Korean Man Enjoys South Indian Vegetarian Food In Seoul Restaurant Andy Evans (@theaussiebhai) posted a video of himself with the title, "POV: 5 minutes after eating chole bhature." We see him nodding with sleepiness and struggling to stay awake - a dilemma many of us are familiar with! Take a look below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aussie Bhai | Andy Evans (@theaussiebhai) Also Read: Scotland-Based Digital Creator Gives 9.1 Rating To This 'Boost Drink' In Kochi Andy's viral video has received a lot of interest online. It also caught the attention of some brands. Swiggy Instamart commented, "Lassi pee lete toh video hi naa bana paate." ["If you had drunk lassi, you would not have even been able to make the video."] Uno India's official Instagram handle declared, "Chole Bhature is India's wild card!!!" Several users shared suggestions of other Indian delicacies that would cause such drowsiness. Read some of the reactions here: "Wait until you eat rice in the afternoon." "Incomplete without Lassi and then a sweet, sweet nap." "Chole Bhature and Lassi = Deadliest combo." "Sleeping pill ultra pro max." "100 points for choice of background music." "So accurate, the edit, the song." "He can't survive dal bafle and chaas." "It happens to me after eating rajma chawal, kadi chawal, pav bhaji." "Then you should try panta bhat." Posts about foreigners trying Indian dishes and having relatable reactions often take social media by storm. Before this, a video showing a vlogger from Hong Kong having vada pav from a Mumbai street vendor went viral. The highlight? She managed to speak broken Marathi to place her order. Click here to read the full story. Advertisement Comments For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Chole Bhature Australian Vlogger Foreigners Trying Indian Food Food Coma Aussie Bhai Show full article Comments


BBC News
15-02-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Former KFC in Wolverhampton could be turned into bar
A former KFC restaurant in Wolverhampton city centre could be transformed into a have been lodged with the city council proposing to turn the vacant site at 25 and 26 Queen Square into a "drinking establishment".The planning application submitted by Andy Evans, the founder of Codsall Beer Festival, said the aim was to "create a welcoming place where like-mined people can have a drink, meet up, chat and listen to live music".The venue would also work with community groups with a view to hosting events, a planning document said. It added that most pubs and bars in the city were open from midday until midnight but the applicant said the site would like to have flexibility to open later for private events or live proposed site has been vacant since KFC departed in 2019. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.