A new energy converter trial seeks to tap WA’s wave power potential.

The M4 Wave Energy Converter (WEC) trial has commenced in King George Sound, Albany.

Led by the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre (BECRC), the six-month trial aims to demonstrate the technology's effectiveness while gathering open-source data to inform future development.

The 22-metre, 42-tonne device, designed to ride surface waves, converts wave motion into electricity. 

It is expected to provide critical data on efficiency and scalability, with all findings publicly accessible via a dedicated website. 

Christophe Gaudin, Director of MERA and the University of Western Australia (UWA) Oceans Institute, has described the initiative as a “world-first” that could improve the wave energy industry by sharing key lessons.

While Australia excels in solar and wind energy, wave power has received less attention despite the country’s vast coastline. 

Advocates argue that wave energy could be a key component of a diversified renewable energy portfolio. 

Western Australia’s Science Minister Stephen Dawson expressed optimism about wave energy's prospects but acknowledged the federal government’s lack of clear funding commitments. 

The project is also being held up as an example of regional collaboration, with over 80 per cent of the materials and labour sourced from Albany. 

The trial involves a multidisciplinary team, including BMT, Climate KIC Australia, and several academic institutions. 

Beyond power generation, the M4 project explores applications in aquaculture and other marine industries. 

It also seeks to validate the infrastructure and supply chains necessary for ocean energy development. 

Real-time data from the trial is set to be publicly available soon.



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