Wave Energy

Wave energy has great potential in Australia as another form of renewable energy. Not only can the power of waves drive turbines, but at the flick of a switch, wave energy can be used to create fresh drinking water through pressure forced de-salination processes. The wave energy is captured by hundreds of air filled 'balloons' about 15 feet below the surface of the water. These boyant balloons ebb from side to side driving pumps on the sea floor which force water towards a central station on the shore. These devices generate electricity from the ocean currents and leave the surface waves relatively un effected.

Whilst most would think that this is a wave generated power plant, it is actually the currents below the surface which drive such pumps, and even on a calm day there will still be plenty of energy produced enabling such a power plant to operate as a base load power source.

I also know that such wave farms can reduce energy usage by being able to switch over to pressurised desalinated drinking water. Electricity generated desalination plants are a step in the wrong direction for many reasons. Wave energy produces renewable energy which will work harmoniously with wind farms, geothermal plants and solar thermal power plants, and for the first time form a positive relationship between electricity generation and fresh water production

Wave Energy in Western Australia

News

New 10MW wave power station promised for WA with potential upgradability to 100MW. See here for more details.