WA Water Corporation is in discussions with wave energy developer Carnegie Wave Energy for the latter to exclusively supply up to 2MW of renewable energy for Southern Seawater Desalination Plant (SSDP).
The Water Corporation announced in August 2011 that the SSDP would purchase renewable energy from the Greenough River Solar Farm and the Mumbida wind farm. These existing supply arrangements include a provision to accommodate the supply of electricity by Carnegie to the SSDP.
Carnegie has previously announced alternative power off-take options for its Perth Wave Energy Project including the Australian Department of Defence. A decision on the final power supply arrangements for Carnegie's Perth Wave Energy Project is expected shortly.
The CETO system distinguishes itself from other wave energy devices by operating out of sight and being anchored to the ocean floor. An array of fully submerged buoys is tethered to seabed pump units. The buoys move in harmony with the motion of the passing waves, driving the pumps which in turn pressurise water that is delivered ashore via a pipeline. CETO is named after a Greek sea godess.
On shore, high-pressure water is used to drive hydroelectric turbines, generating zero-emission electricity. The high-pressure water can also be used to supply a reverse osmosis desalination plant, replacing greenhouse gas emitting electrically driven pumps usually required for such plants.
CETO technology characteristics include:
• converts ocean wave energy into zero-emission electricity and desalinated water.
• is environmentally friendly, has minimal visual impact and attracts marine life.
• is fully submerged in deep water away from breaking waves, beachgoers and where it is safe from storms.
The Water Corporation is open to either a short term or long term electricity supply arrangement subject to the parties agreeing satisfactory commercial terms.
[Images courtesy Carnegie Wave Energy Limited.]