Albany to become wave energy innovation centre

The McGowan Government will drive Albany's place as a hub of renewable energy expertise and jobs, today announcing successful applicants for grants for a wave energy technology project and research centre.

Carnegie Clean Energy has been awarded a $15.75 million grant as a contribution towards a wave energy technology project.  The grant will be used to install a large-scale wave energy converter device off the coast of Albany capable of producing about one megawatt of electrical power for export into the South West Interconnected System.

The project will advance wave energy technology by establishing common user infrastructure, enabling other wave energy industry companies to test their technologies into the future.  Carnegie will work with other Western Australian companies to create opportunities for more jobs and economic growth in the renewable energy sector.

The University of Western Australia (UWA) has been awarded a $3.75 million grant to develop a world-class Wave Energy Research Centre in Albany, building on expertise already developed at the UWA Oceans Institute.

UWA will work with researchers from Curtin University, allowing some of Australia's brightest scientists to work together on this ground-breaking renewable energy initiative.

Both Carnegie and UWA will have a physical presence in Albany, which could see Albany develop as a global centre for marine renewable energy expertise while creating job opportunities for local people.

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:

"The McGowan Government has seized the opportunity to leverage off the capabilities of WA's industry and universities and off our natural assets to create a new industry for our State.

"This initiative has real potential to develop world-class renewable energy technologies and skills in the Great Southern and could help to drive new opportunities across the renewable energy sector in WA.

"The wave energy technology project could make the Great Southern a hub for marine renewable energy expertise, bring long-term economic benefits and create regional jobs in this growing sector."

Comments attributed to Albany MLA Peter Watson:

"This is great news for Albany as it will be a significant driver for local jobs and as a producer of renewable energy.

"To have Albany as a world-class research centre in wave energy is fantastic for the whole region."