Oz wave power array switch on
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has officially switched on the Carnegie Perth Wave Power Array which is now feeding renewable energy into HMAS Stirling, Australia’s largest naval base.
This is the first array of wave power generators to be connected to an electricity grid in Australia and worldwide.
During the testing phase, the first 240kW peak capacity CETO 5 wave unit operated successfully for more than 2,000 hours.
The innovative CETO technology moves with the waves to drive tethered seabed pumps and operates under water, providing protection from storms and corrosion.
These pumps feed high pressure water onshore to the hydroelectric power station and desalination plant, supplying both renewable energy and fresh water.
Planning and design work has already begun on Carnegie’s next generation CETO 6 technology, which consists of larger units aimed at improving efficiency and reducing energy generation costs.
Carnegie said that with the right government support, emerging renewable energy technologies in the country can progress along the innovation chain towards commercialisation.
ARENA is providing AUS$13m funding towards the AUS$32m project.
By Anne-Marie Causer
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