Study to uncover wave energy converter costs

Perth-based company Bombora Wave Power has received $181,000 funding support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to complete a levelised cost of energy study for the Bombora wave energy converter (WEC).

The $363,000 study will involve key suppliers for all major components of the system, refining earlier investigations including design reviews and production costing. The project will focus on the current design for a 1.5 MW commercial-scale Bombora WEC.

The WEC utilises a responsive rolling membrane fitted to two 60 m concrete arms resting on the sea floor at a depth of 10 m. As ocean waves pass over the device the membrane pressurises air, which is passed through a turbine to generate electricity. This electricity would be transferred to shore via a subsea cable for supply into the electrical grid.

“Harnessing energy from the ocean takes determination, ingenuity and time,” said ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht. “Bombora has been developing its innovative wave energy device for five years. This study is an opportunity for Bombora to prove the case for its technology and continue the journey towards a commercial solution that could strengthen Australia’s position as a leader in wave power.”

Previous techno-economic investigations indicated the Bombora WEC would be able to match the levelised cost of energy — ie, the total cost of generating power in $/MWh — of other renewable energy sources. The latest study is due for completion in March 2016.

Image caption: Testing the Bombora wave energy converter at the Australian Maritime College. Image credit: Chris Crerar, courtesy of the University of Tasmania.

Source