The government of Western Australia has opened a tender for the development of a wave energy demonstration project off the coast of Albany.
The government of Western Australia has opened a tender for the development of a wave energy demonstration project off the coast of Albany.
The state’s government has pledged funding of A$19.5 million for the Albany Wave Energy Technology Development project, which will fund the design, fabrication and installation of a wave device as well as establish a wave energy research centre.
The two elements of the programme will bring together state government agencies, universities and industry to appraise and maximise the use of the coast’s natural resources, the government said in a statement.
“Albany has first-class wave resources and is the right place to establish a hub for renewable energy research and development,” said Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan. “Renewables are a 21st century industry and we want Albany and Western Australia to be at the forefront of innovation and technology development in this sector.
“The tender for development of wave energy technology is a solid step forward.”
Deployment of the device, which will be connected to the South West Interconnected System, is expected to take place in 2019.