CETO wave energy trial success
Posted: 29 July 2005
The CETO wave energy generator that was positioned on the sea floor off Fremantle in March has performed to expectations in the first phase of trials, pumping seawater ashore at the pressure required to drive conventional hydro electricity turbines.
CETO was designed and developed by West Australian company Seapower Pacific Pty Ltd, which was acquired by London-listed Company Renewable Energy Holdings Plc (REH) in February, just prior to the launch.
Carnegie Corporation Ltd (ASX code: CNN) and Pacific Hydro (PHY) were the lead investors in Seapower Pacific. Carnegie holds an 8% direct interest in REH and retains participation rights in commercial developments after REH's successful listing on the AIM market earlier this year.
Carnegie managing director Alan Hopkins said the first successful trial of CETO at Fremantle was a milestone event for the companies involved and for the principles of wave energy technology. He said the statement issued by REH in London was very positive and a clear pointer to the potential of the technology to generate electricity from wave power, the world's most available energy source.
Renewable Energy Holdings plc (REH) reported its CETO Device prototype, which is designed to capture wave energy, convert such energy into high pressure seawater leading to onshore generation of electricity from existing technology, has in initial operational testing successfully transmitted high pressure seawater to shore at in excess of 500 psi. This pressure is within the design parameters required to generate electricity onshore using conventional hydro electric power turbines.
Although testing will be ongoing, the Directors now consider the underlying principles of the technology as proven and are considering how best to take the process of design for commercialization and production engineering forward. REH will also now be actively looking for a first commercial Development site offshore in the UK or Ireland.
CETO has been undergoing sea trials since March 2005 in preparation for operational testing. The device is installed on the sea bed below the level of turbulence and is designed to efficiently capture energy from the full water column generated by the passing of a wave. This energy is then transmitted to shore as high pressure seawater, using proprietary seawater pumps. Electricity will be generated on land using existing proven technology, with the sea water returned to the ocean.
For more information see http://www.carnegiecorp.com.au
Posted by Richard Price, Editor, EnergyME.com
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