A new sustainable energy device that generates renewable energy from the ocean is ready to be dispatched in Albany. A successful trial could be a game-changer as it will help conserve natural resources and reduce greenhouse gases produced.
The Albany M4 Wave Energy Demonstration Project’s newly-made 24-metre by 9.5-metre M4 attenuator prototype is kept buoyant by four floats that support its front and rear frame. Electricity will be generated from wave actions and two small wind turbines.
The device is part of ocean engineering research and will be used to collect energy production data for six months. The data obtained will demonstrate the feasibility of using wave energy and how it may help to decarbonise aquaculture operations. It will also deduce the potential of using the Great Southern’s high wave energy density and reliable swells as a renewable energy source.
Region Development Minister, Don Punch, said “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.”
This project is a partnership between the University of Western Australia and the Commonwealth-funded Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre. The Cook Government has funded $1.55 million in support of this initiative.
Science Minister Stephen Dawson commented, “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.”
