Research Into Underwater Impact of Wave-energy Converter

Wave-energy developer Carnegie Wave Energy has released the results from its environmental monitoring and assessment programme undertaken as part of the recent deployment of its commercial-scale CETO unit (CETO 3) off Garden Island, Western Australia. These results were presented by Carnegie's Site Development Manager, Tim Sawyer, at the Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit in Honolulu, Hawaii.  

Underwater noise monitoring and assessment was carried out by Curtin University's Centre for Marine Science and Technology (CMST). Underwater fauna monitoring was carried out using baited and unbaited video cameras and analysed by environmental specialist RPS Environment, based in Perth, to assess marine fauna present and interactions with the CETO unit.

Both studies identified no significant environmental impacts from the presence and operation of CETO and also offered insight into ways of further reducing or eliminating potential environmental impact. A total of 27 fauna species were recorded across all deployments and included one shark, one ray, 24 teleosts and one crustacean species. RPS concluded that observed fish species were not significantly impacted and that an array of CETO units had the potential to create an artificial reef habitat that could increase the biodiversity of a habitat otherwise poor in marine fauna.

Carnegie is now focussed on further development of CETO and on the design and construction of the grid-connected Perth Wave Energy Project. Carnegie will continue its environmental monitoring and assessment and consultation program to support its application for environmental approvals for the project.