Econnect Rides the Crest of Wave Energy

Building on the success of the Econnect Groups' wave energy experience, a static study analysis was performed in Australia for wave energy pioneer Oceanlinx at the site of the largest commercial wave energy project in the world, located in Victoria’s Nelson Bay.

The overall objective of the study was to assess and evaluate the impact of the proposed generation project on the local Powecor networks. The study also assisted with the compilation of generator performance standards and was submitted as part of the connection application.

The Nelson Bay project will advance in two phases. The first stage will consist of the installation and interim connection of the first two Wave Energy Converters (WEC) to the Powercor 22kV network by late 2008. The remaining units will be installed by the end of 2011.

The Oceanlinx technology has been developed to extract energy from ocean waves and convert it into electricity or used directly to produce desalinated drinking water.

How the technology works is, the floating structure (WEC) captures the energy in the swell as air flow. A generator mounted on top of the WEC converts this airflow, via Oceanlinx's patented turbine technology to electrical power.

Once complete, it is estimated the project will save up to 10,000 tonnes of CO2 and 30 tonnes of SO2 from the atmosphere each year.

Oceanlinx, formerly Energetech Wave Technology has been recognised internationally by the Academy of Science as one of the top 10 most outstanding technologies for its vast potential to contribute sustainably to the world’s energy and water requirements.

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