Wave energy plant in Wollongong

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Water energy can be harnessed and converted to electricity.

The world's first wave energy plant is installed off the eastern breakwater at Port Kembla in Wollongong, New South Wales.

The wave energy generator is capable of producing about 500kw of energy a day, enough to power 500 homes. It produces no C02 emissions. The plant is also able to convert sea water into drinking quality water. It is expected to produce 150,000 litres of drinking water a day.

The plant was designed and built by Energetech (now Oceanlinx) and cost $5 million to develop. They have several similar projects underway in the United States, Mexico and Victoria.

Plans are in place for a second plant with a total capacity of 27mw in Portland, Victoria. This will be the largest wave energy project in development in the world.

Sources: ‘Catching a wave to sustainability,’ Illawarra Mercury, 22/12/2006; www.oceanlinx.com

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