Australian research institutions set seven recommendations for advancement of wave energy industry

The Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) has unveiled a report, led by the University of Western Australia, outlining seven key recommendations to drive the advancement of Australia’s wave energy industry.

According to Blue Economy CRC, wave energy could boost Australia’s AUD 118 billion (approximately $81,4 billion) blue economy, driving opportunities in fabrication, installation, and marine operations.

Australia already has existing elements that are important for wave energy sector development, such as a skilled workforce for offshore infrastructure and renewable industries, Blue Economy CRC said. 

However, research institutions like universities and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) add further strength, enabling innovation in the sector. The potential for market expansion includes grid connections and powering remote facilities, particularly in coastal regions that are poised to benefit economically. 

Wave energy stands out as a key player in helping Australia meet its net zero targets, said Blue Energy CRC. With the country aiming to slash emissions by 43% by 2030 and hit an 82% renewable electricity share, the inclusion of wave energy in its energy mix could address the growing demand for dispatchable power. 

The National Electricity Market (NEM) forecasts show significant growth in renewable capacity by 2050, yet a gap in consistent power supply remains – a gap that wave energy could potentially fill.

The report calls for a strategic approach to wave energy, emphasizing its potential as a critical resource for Australia, outlining seven key recommendations to advance the sector, including incorporation into national and state planning, evaluation by the Australian Energy Market Operator, Inclusion in sustainable ocean plan, consistent funding, coastal protection guidelines, data sharing, and climate analysis.

The overarching recommendation of this report, according to the Blue Energy CRC, is: “Federal and State Governments in Australia should take a strategic view of the wave energy industry in order to achieve the maximum national benefit from this potentially critical national resource.”

However, there are a few other themes that the development of wave energy in Australia should cover, according to the report.

Federal and State governments must integrate wave energy into planning strategies. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) should fund a study to assess the national benefits of the wave energy industry, including its role in economic and social development, sovereign capability, and environmental sustainability.

According to the report by Blue Energy CRC, the benefits of alignment with the international momentum in wave energy should be considered together with the Australian alignment with the International Energy Agency Ocean Energy Systems roadmap for 2050.

This should also include encouraging long-term investor confidence in the sector. 

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) does not consider wave energy currently, and this report says that AEMO should evaluate wave energy in its integrated system plan (ISP) to gauge its potential impact on energy storage needs by 2050.

Evidence from similar markets, like the UK’s EVOLVE study, shows that adding 10 GW of wave energy could save up to AUD 2.76 billion annually by 2040, thanks to reduced storage and generation demands. For Australia, introducing wave energy is expected to cut storage capacity requirements, translating into lower overall costs.

Modeling from three local grids on the south coast shows consistent results, reinforcing the idea that wave energy could deliver dispatchability and cost benefits across Australia’s southern margin. These findings point to a broader potential, suggesting that the system-wide implications of wave energy can only be fully realized through an integrated national approach.

Wave energy should be part of the Sustainable Ocean Plan alongside other renewable sources, Blue Energy CRC notes. This recommendation highlights the importance of collaboration between technology developers, research institutions, and local governments to foster the industry’s growth.

Cross-sector and cross-departmental joint activities could increase impact and benefits through education, R&D, and business activities. Australia’s rural, regional, remote (RRR) coastal areas could play a significant role in this case.

Wave energy projects at different scales need funding to validate the technology and showcase the national benefits over longer periods of time, noted Blue Energy CRC. Multi-year field demonstrations are crucial for testing long-term dispatchability and assessing environmental impacts.

A “technology push” funding to accelerate wave energy development is a key mechanism, according to the International Energy Agency Ocean Energy Systems roadmap.

In addition to energy production, wave energy converters (WECs) could offer coastal protection, reducing flood and erosion risks that are expected to worsen with climate change, according to the Blue Economy CRC report. Controlled wave alteration could shield assets valued at up to AUD 25 billion, though further study is needed to explore the link between wave energy generation and coastal protection.

The report said that coastal protection is usually dealt with by local councils without the needed resources to study the possible benefits of wave energy.

An integrated national study should establish guidelines for using wave energy in coastal protection, enabling councils to make informed decisions on implementing these technologies. This is said to provide benefits in both climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Federal and State governments must promote baseline data collection and information sharing across jurisdictions to accelerate industry growth, Blue Energy CRC said. A coordinated environmental research plan would help de-risk wave energy projects and streamline approvals.

The government plays an important role in baseline data collection or mandating sharing from other industries or sources, in order to reduce the burden on project developers.

Cooperation among Australian government agencies, as well as the publication of guidelines and policies, can enhance the science-based assessment, alignment, and approvals procedures, and incorporation of wave energy into existing marine estate management plans, said Blue Energy CRC.

To reduce the risk associated with the approvals process and promote the sustainable development of the industry, a coordinated strategic environmental research strategy needs to be created.

In order for the developments in the wave energy sector to continue growing, more research on the wave climate is needed. In shallow water regions, where WECs would probably be primarily deployed, high-resolution, long-term wave climate studies are needed to ensure accurate assessments of the resource and inform engineering designs.

According to Blue Energy CRC, the studies should focus on reliable estimates of extreme wave conditions for engineering design (also needed for the offshore wind industry), wave directional characteristics such as wave spreading around the mean propagation direction, and weather windows for sage installation and maintenance. 

“We hope that this document can assist policymakers and decision-makers to support the development of wave energy and to accelerate decarbonisation of the Australian economy,” said UWA Oceans Institute Director Professor, Christophe Gaudin.