Australian wave energy prototype reaches marina, waiting for offshore deployment 

The University of Western Australia’s (UWA) Moored MultiModal Multibody (M4) wave energy prototype has been transferred to the Albany Waterfront Marina.

According to the UWA Oceans Institute, the device was transported from the MCB Construction yard and arrived at Albany Waterfront. With final preparations underway, the M4 will soon be lifted into the water and towed to King George Sound. 

Over the six-month period, the M4 is expected to generate renewable energy from wave motion while gathering crucial performance data, providing insights into the technology’s effectiveness as a clean energy source for Australia’s Great Southern region, Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) noted.

In July, Weld Australia unveiled that the M4 wave energy device is scheduled for deployment during the 2024-2025 summer period in King George Sound. The recent relocation to Albany Marina marks one of the final stages before this trial deployment.

The project, run by UWA’s Marine Energy Research Australia and funded by the Blue Economy CRC and the Western Australian State Government, is part of ongoing research into the Great Southern’s potential as a wave energy hub. The team hopes the data will provide insights into the effectiveness of wave energy in the area, potentially paving the way for future projects.

“It is a world-first, a fully open-sourced wave energy generator for which all data gathered during the operation will be displayed on the specific website and be made available to the public domain,” said MERA and UWA Oceans Institute Director, Christophe Gaudin.

“By doing so, we plan to uplift the whole wave energy industry, sharing the lessons learnt during the project and bringing confidence to investors and users.”

The M4 project is spearheaded by UWA’s Marine Energy Research Australia, with funding from the Blue Economy CRC and the Western Australian State Government. The initiative brings together several partners, including the Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development, the UWA, and the UWA Albany Campus.

The M4 wave energy device, featuring a triangular forward frame, a trailing arm, and a power generator on the connecting hinge, is built from structural steel beams and four steel floater buoys for buoyancy and ballast.

In October, Blue Economy CRC unveiled a report, led by the University of Western Australia, outlining seven key recommendations to drive the advancement of Australia’s wave energy industry.