Western Australian Labor announced plans to invest $19.5 million in wave energy infrastructure in Albany, in the state’s southwest, if elected.
A McGowan Labor Government would build common user infrastructure to provide the opportunity for energy companies to develop their technology and facilitate the establishment of wave technology and farms.
This would capitalise on the existing electricity infrastructure and connect wave renewable energy into the interconnected grid, as well as stabilise energy supplies to Albany and the Great Southern.
Labor would also work with the University of Western Australia (UWA), Carnegie Clean Energy and other stakeholders to develop a Wave Energy Centre of Excellence in Albany.
This would place Western Australia at the leading edge in the development of this new technology.
In 2008, the Western Australian Labor Government negotiated the trial of wave-generated electricity to Albany, one of the world’s best sites to capitalise on wave energy.
The infrastructure would be paid for by reallocating funds set aside from the failed Albany to Bunbury gas pipeline.
Western Australian Labor Leader, Mark McGowan, said, “A new common user facility will allow Carnegie Clean Energy and others to establish wave energy in Albany, to help power households and create jobs.
“Albany has some of the best sites for a wave energy farm in the country with reliable waves suitable for this emerging technology, providing a reliable baseload energy source.
“Under our plan, Albany will become a renewable energy city and will lead the way in renewables in this state, creating hundreds of jobs for Western Australians.
“As WA’s economy changes, we need to do everything we can to create new jobs in a diverse range of industries. Renewables should be a part of that mix, and it’s important that we take advantage of Albany’s natural suitability to create jobs for the future.”
