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24/06/09Wave Power technology launched in Moreton Bay
State-of-the-art technology to harness energy from ocean waves and contribute to Queensland's green energy future has been launched en-route to Moreton Bay.
Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Stephen Robertson said the Bligh Government invested $160,000 to help bring wave power to life.
"In the right locations, technology such as this, has the potential to support our electricity network around Queensland," Mr Robertson said.
"At this stage Advanced Wave Power's commercial versions would be aimed at small scale generation in Queensland predicted to be able to support 30-40 homes.
"However, by investing in new technology the Bligh Government is creating opportunities to improve wave power technology so it can make a significant contribution to Queensland's green energy future.
"By supporting the development of these prototypes, turbine technology will improve and thus the amount of power produced by seas will continue to rise.
"Wave power renewable energy technology has to start somewhere and what better place than in Moreton Bay."
Mr Robertson launched Advanced Wave Power's Nautilus prototype which is expected to use the small waves in Moreton Bay to generate up to 100 kilowatts of electricity every hour.
"I understand the results of tests show the technology to be comparable to the best wave technologies in the world in terms of efficiency and output.
"The Nautilus has the potential to power one home but it is the future potential of this technology that is most exciting.
"This is a significant milestone for Advanced Wave Power and I congratulate them on their achievements to date," Mr Robertson said.
"By investing in new technology the Bligh Government is moving Queensland to a clean energy future and delivering on our Q2 strategy.
"This week I also launched the Queensland Renewable Energy Plan to examine potential solar, wind farm and other energy and funding options for Queensland.
"Through this strategy we are looking to leverage $3.5 billion from a federal fund established specifically to stimulate investment in renewable energy.
"Our renewable energy strategy aims to create 3,500 new jobs in these exciting new industries and generate 9000 gigawatt hours of renewable based energy by 2020.
"Today we launch a new technology we hope will help government achieve our goals.
"Wave power is another piece of the puzzle. We need a suite of energy solutions to cover electricity generation.
"Tests have shown the Nautilus floating wave power plant has the potential to provide cost effective power generation in Queensland's remote communities that currently rely on diesel-powered technology."
Mr Robertson said Advanced Wave Power's technology is a variation upon existing oscillating water column technology and uses an array of linked columns, rather than a single column, to ensure constant flow for a turbine.
"For a number of years now, the project team for Advanced Wave Power Pty Ltd has been building and testing laboratory prototypes at the University of Queensland's wave labs, now it is time to take the next step."
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Last Updated 03 November 2009
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