The University of Western Australia’s (UWA) Moored MultiModal Multibody (M4) wave energy converter (WEC) has been deployed in King George Sound, Albany.
The device already started transmitting performance data as it begins the six-month test phase.
According to the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), this marks a step in Australia’s efforts to harness renewable energy from wave motion. The device is designed to capture wave-generated energy while providing data on its efficiency and potential as a sustainable energy source.
Just recently, the wave energy device was transferred to the Albany Waterfront Marina, from where it was prepared for deployment to the offshore testing site in King George Sound.
The 22-meter, 42-tonne M4, surface-riding WEC, was towed to the location, ready to begin six months of energy monitoring and data collection, the UWA Oceans Institute said. The insights gathered over this period will enable researchers to assess the device’s viability as a clean energy solution.
“It is a world-first, a fully open-sourced wave energy generator for which all data gathered during the operation will be displayed on the specific website and be made available to the public domain, ” noted Christophe Gaudin , Director of Marine Energy Research Australia and The UWA Oceans Institute.
The project, run by UWA’s Marine Energy Research Australia and funded by the Blue Economy CRC and the Western Australian State Government, is part of ongoing research into the Great Southern’s potential as a wave energy hub. The team hopes the data will provide insights into the effectiveness of wave energy in the area, potentially paving the way for future projects.
Details regarding access to live data from the device will be shared in the coming weeks, the UWA Oceans Institute noted.
M4 wave energy converter deployed in King George Sound
The M4 wave energy device , featuring a triangular forward frame, a trailing arm, and a power generator on the connecting hinge, is built from structural steel beams and four steel floater buoys for buoyancy and ballast. In July, Weld Australia announced that the M4 WEC was scheduled for deployment in King George Sound during the 2024-2025 summer season. Its recent transfer to Albany Marina marked one of the final stages before its full deployment.