A world-first wave energy project backed by the State Government is a step closer to final 'switch-on' following the unveiling of key technology.
A key component of the CETO technology - buoyant actuators - were unveiled by Carnegie Wave Energy for their Perth Wave Energy Project (PWEP) at the Australian Marine Complex in Henderson this morning.
Energy Minister Mike Nahan said the buoyant actuators would be placed under the surface of the water to harness the waves' energy.
"The buoys drive a seabed mounted pump that create hydraulic pressure. This is delivered to shore through a pipe and used to spin a hydro-electric turbine, generating both clean, renewable electricity and desalinated drinking water," Dr Nahan said.
"This two-fold effect of producing clean electricity and zero-emission desalinated water is a world-first."
Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the State Government had contributed $9.96million from its Low Emissions Energy Development fund towards the development of the CETO technology and the project.
"Wave energy has low variability and high predictability 24 hours a day and is often available when the sun and wind are limited. The wave farm harnesses the enormous and untapped renewable energy in our oceans' waves and converts it into two of the most valuable resources on the planet - low-emissions electricity and low-emissions desalinated water," Mr Jacob said.
Dr Nahan said the PWEP was a boost to the State's economy.
"Projects like this create employment for Western Australians and provide ways to tap into the State's rich renewable energy resources. Overall, Carnegie has now spent $80million, with a further $20million due by the end of the year. More than 80 per cent of Carnegie's cumulative expenditure has been in WA," he said.
The PWEP will provide renewable electricity for the Department of Defence, powering HMAS Stirling, Australia's largest naval base. The construction of a desalination plant powered directly from the ocean's waves will be able to supply up to one third of Stirling's freshwater needs.
Fact File
The Perth Wave Energy Project is planned for final switch-on in mid-2014
$13.1m Federal Government grant also provided for the project
The State Government's Low Emissions Energy Development fund has provided grants to 11 projects since 2008
Energy Minister's office - 6552 5700
Environment Minister's office - 6552 5800
