World’s largest wave energy project underway

The 62.5MW peak power wave energy generation project will be built off the coast of Victoria, Australia, using Ocean Power Technologies’ (OPT) PowerBuoy wave energy converter technology.

“We are applying our design and system integration expertise to commercialise promising, emerging alternative energy technologies, including ocean power,” said Tim Fuhr, director, ocean energy, mission systems and training, Lockheed Martin. “This project extends our established relationship with OPT and Australian industry and enables us to demonstrate a clean, efficient energy source for Australia and the world.”

The PowerBuoy wave generation technology uses a “smart” ocean-going buoy to covert wave energy into low-cost, clean electricity. The buoy, which is only 30ft high above the waterline and typically located three miles offshore, moves up and down with the rising and falling of waves.

This mechanical energy drives an electrical generator, which transmits power to shore via an underwater cable. The system is electrically turned on a wave-by-wave basis to maximise the amount of electricity produced.

The project is scheduled to be built up in three stages, with the first stage producing around 2.5MW peak power. Once completed, it is expected to produce enough energy to meet the needs of 10,000 homes.

It has received significant grant support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) because it will contribute to the country’s goal of 20% renewable energy by 2020.