Bonus from memory, it was a toss up between Albany and Garden Island as to the location for the first array. I believe it was only the off take agreement with the D of D and possibly USN potential, that sealed for GI.
It was always known that the southern coast of Australia has the best wave energy resources but that was not what PWEP was about. Having a demonstration project located on Commonwealth land, near a major population centre and near CWE'S headquarters,is why it is located where it is.
Albany, Portland, Warrnambool, Port Campbell, Port MacDonnell and Phillip Island are all locations that have superior wave resources to Garden Island. When they decide the time is right, it will be one of those locations that will be chosen for a major commercial Australian project IMHO.
It might come down to a bidding war between state governments to see who gets the gig. The state that has the greatest need for emissions free energy and the willingness to support it will win out in the end.. I think it might be Victoria or South Australia for what it is worth, but it does not really matter in the long run.
If the WA government wants to push for Albany, I will be quite happy as well.
Add to My Watchlist
What is My Watchlist?