- Wave energy converter ready to be deployed in Albany waters
- Albany project advancing renewable wave energy opportunities in the Great Southern
- Supported by $1.55 million funding support from Cook Government
The Cook Government welcomed an exciting milestone today for a leading Western Australian research project looking to harness renewable energy from the ocean, with a floating wave energy converter ready for deployment in Albany.
The Albany M4 Wave Energy Demonstration Project will deploy the wave energy converter in King George Sound, delivering vital data to demonstrate the technical feasibility of wave energy and potential to decarbonise aquaculture operations.
The 'M4' device is part of ocean engineering research that is testing the potential for the Great Southern's high wave energy density and reliable swells to be used as a renewable energy source.
The initiative is a collaboration between The University of Western Australia (UWA) and Commonwealth-funded Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre, with $1.55 million in funding support from the Cook Government.
The newly constructed, surface-riding M4 wave attenuator prototype will operate for six months to collect energy production data.
The 24-metre by 9.5-metre device consists of four floats supporting a front and rear frame above the water and was built in Albany by local manufacturers over the past year.
The project builds on work by the Albany-headquartered UWA Marine Energy Research Centre, which collaborates with research and industry partners to facilitate innovative renewable energy technologies.
Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"The Albany M4 Wave Energy Demonstration Project is supporting research excellence, regional employment and renewable energy supply chain development in the Great Southern by leveraging the competitive advantage of our State's natural assets.
"This project is not only nationally significant but it is making a difference for local businesses by creating upskilling opportunities and increasing capability to work within the innovation and blue economy sector."
Comments attributed to Science Minister Stephen Dawson:
"This innovative project is bringing together top research bodies and local businesses to conduct this important academic trial examining Albany as a potential nursery test site for wave energy developers.
"The deployment of the M4 prototype into Great Southern waters is a significant project milestone. It will be equipped with sensors to collect real-time data on device performance, including energy production, that will be publicly available."
