Renewable Energy from the Ocean One Step Closer with Completion of Biowave Construction
SYDNEY, Australia, June 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Ocean energy company, BioPower Systems (BPS), has completed the construction and onshore testing of a 250kW bioWAVE pilot demonstration unit.
The project is supported by an AUD11 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), a AUD5 million grant from the Victorian Government and AUD5 million equity from BPS.
The unique bioWAVE comprises a 26-metre tall oscillating structure that sways back-and-forth beneath the ocean swell, capturing energy from the waves and converting it into electricity fed into the grid via an undersea cable.
The structure is scheduled for deployment at Port Fairy in Victoria Australia later this year. The data collected from the project, combined with the experience gained, is expected to help drive down the cost of wave energy, and contribute to further development of the bioWAVE towards commercial production.
Importantly, during infrequent extreme wave events, the structure will automatically assume a "safe" position lying flat against the seabed. This reduces the structural design requirements (and hence cost) while maintaining reliability.
"Achieving practical completion of the bioWAVE is a major milestone in the development of this technology," said the CEO of BPS, Dr Timothy Finnigan. "We look forward to seeing it operating in the Southern Ocean, developing the next generation machine and exploiting the technology around the world."
ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht said the AUD21 million project would further cement Australia's position as a leader in renewable wave energy.
"Once successfully installed, it will be the second ARENA supported device to supply wave energy to a major Australian grid, feeding 250 KW into the National Electricity Market," Mr Frischknecht said.
About bioWAVE
The bioWAVE is a bottom-mounted wave energy system that sways back and forth beneath the swell waves, delivering clean electricity to the grid.
Images: http://www.biopowersystems.com/news-media-gallery/biowave-completed-june-2015
Video: http://www.biopowersystems.com/video-biowave.html
About BioPower Systems
Ocean energy company, BioPower Systems, is commercialising wave and tidal energy products that incorporate revolutionary designs based on the concept of biomimicry.
About ARENA
ARENA was established by the Australian Government to make renewable energy technologies more affordable and increase the amount of renewable energy used in Australia.
About the Victorian Government - Energy Technology Innovation (ETI)
ETI is working with industry to support the development of a variety of pre-commercial energy technologies.
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BioPower Systems Media Contact:
Sabine Prill
BioPower Systems Pty Ltd
T: +61(0)2-9146-4420
E: [email protected]
W: www.biopowersystems.com
O-DriveTM, bioWAVETM and bioSTREAMTM are registered trademarks of BioPower Systems Pty Ltd
SOURCE BioPower Systems Ltd
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