Damage to underwater equipment has delayed a $21-million pilot wave energy project in Port Fairy by eight months.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Renewable energy technology company BioPower Systems chose the location because of its high powered waves.
Once operational, the renewable energy system will extract energy from the waves and turn it into electricity on board the BioWAVE unit.
CEO Tim Finnigan said the cable that connected the BioWAVE to shore was damaged, delaying the project.
“There’s a problem with the cable that connects it to shore,” Mr Finnigan said. "It’s not generating electricity at the moment.”
He said the damage was caused by the impact of the BioWAVE equipment on the cable during installation and large waves at the reef.
“It’s a very powerful site. It’s among the most powerful wave climates for wave energy.
“There’s been a complete redesign of the cable protection. We’re planning to replace the damaged section late September early October and then we’ll attempt to complete the commissioning.
The unit, which was deployed in late December, is yet to funnel electricity into the national grid. Heavy swells in January and February caused further delay, with divers needing calm conditions to complete underwater mechanical work.
The site is five kilometres west of Port Fairy at Taylors Bay. The unit is four kilometres from program partner Southern Ocean Mariculture.
Mr Finnigan said the pilot was the first-ever test of the technology and some teething problems were to be expected.
“It’s put us back a bit. It’s been about a eight month delay to operation. It hasn’t detracted from our research and project. It’s still intact.”
He said the delay provided learning experience that the company could apply in the future.
While the 26-metre steel structure is sitting on the ocean floor, a 300-metre exclusion zone around the unit remains.
“The company and Transport Safety Victoria would like to remind the marine community to not pass between the two buoys,” Mr Finnigan said.
“Once the BioWAVE is operating it’s definitely a hazard. The notice to mariners is still in place.”
He said a community meeting would be held in Port Fairy, the week of September 26, to update residents and answer any questions. Details will be advertised once a date is confirmed.
RELATED: Multi million dollar pilot
