Wave Energy in Australia: Projects, Technologies, and Future Prospects

This report provides a comprehensive overview of wave energy in Australia, highlighting its potential as a renewable energy source. It begins with an executive summary and introduction, emphasizing the importance of renewable energy in addressing climate change and energy security. The report then delves into the current state of wave energy technology, discussing Australia's favorable geographical characteristics for wave energy generation, particularly along the southern coastline. It explores various wave energy projects in Australia, including the Carnage Wave Energy project using CETO technology, and the Ocean Power Technologies project, examining their technical developments, impacts, and challenges. The report also assesses the barriers and opportunities for wave energy adoption in Australia, including the economic and environmental considerations. It concludes with a personal view, summarizing the key findings and emphasizing the potential of wave energy to contribute significantly to Australia's energy mix, potentially supplying up to 11% of the country's energy demand by 2050. The report also discusses the economic and environmental impacts of wave energy systems, and ongoing research to improve the efficiency and reduce the costs of wave energy generation.