BioPower completes 250-kW wave power prototype

Australian firm BioPower Systems Pty Ltd has concluded fabricating its 250-kW BioWave prototype wave energy system that will be installed in the southeastern state of Victoria.

In a press release on Monday, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) said it has covered AUD 11 million (USD 8.4m/EUR 7.6m) of the AUD-21-million project financing. Following the achievement of the key milestone, BioPower can now proceed with moving its system towards commercialisation.

The device uses a 26-metre steel structure that sways back and forth chiefly under the ocean surface. “The oscillating motion activates hydraulic cylinders to spin a generator, with the power transported to the shore via a subsea cable,” ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht explained.

The completed unit will be installed in November off the coast of Port Fairy town, where preparatory works are currently underway. At present, all onshore electrical equipment is ready and divers are working on subsea power and data cabling.

This is the second ARENA-supported wave energy device to be hooked to the national grid, according to the press release. The data, which will be collected over at least a year of operations, will pave the way for the design of a 1-MW commercial-scale BioWave unit.

(AUD 1.0 = USD 0.764/EUR 0.693)

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