Australian company Bombora Wave Power has received funding support of A$181,000 from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency to complete a detailed levelised cost of energy study for its wave energy converter.
The aim of the A$362,000 study of the patented convertor is to confirm that it can help in diversifying electrical energy supply.
It will refine earlier investigations and includes design reviews and production costing for key suppliers involved in all major system components to try to prove that the Bombora wave converter can match the cost of other renewable sources.
The study will focus on testing the current design, a 1.5MW device featuring two 60-metre arms that rest on the sea floor at a depth of 10 metres. Electricity generated is transferred to shore using a subsea cable that supplies the power into the electrical grid.
Bombora chief executive Sam Leighton said: “The Cost of Energy study is a crucial component in our commercialisation roadmap, ahead of deploying a full-scale Bombora WEC. We are very pleased to have ARENA’s support at this critical juncture as we confirm our competitiveness in the renewable energy sector.”
ARENA chief executive Ivor Frischknecht said: “Harnessing energy from the ocean takes determination, ingenuity and time. 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.”
The cost of energy study is due for completion in March.
Image: (sxc)
Bombora bags grant for costs study
ARENA awards A$181,000 for research into LCOE of Australian wave device
By EBS