Wave Swell Energy (WSE) will install a 200kW wave energy device on the eastern side of King Island in Tasmania prior to the installation of a full-sized one megawatt version on the west coast of the island.
The initial smaller project will bridge the gap between the tank testing and commercial phases of the technology’s development, consistent with the ‘best practice’ methodology recommended for the marine renewable energy industry.
WSE will use the 200kW project to gain experience in deploying its devices in a safe and risk averse manner, conforming to the offshore industry’s established protocols for the transport and installation of large structures in the open ocean. The project will also provide an opportunity to fine-tune the operation of the device in an easily accessible location.
It is anticipated that this 200kW project will be installed and operating before the end of 2018, concurrent with the development of the subsequent one megawatt device. Data from the project will validate the technology’s ability to produce electrical energy from ocean waves for under $100/MWh when one megawatt units are installed as part of a multi-device wave farm.
