2015 BANKSIA INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR

Winner

The Perth Wave Energy Project
Carnegie Wave Energy Limited, WA

Carnegie Wave Energy is a Fremantle-based, ASX listed wave energy developer focussed on developing its CETO wave energy technology. The CETO technology is capable of producing zero-emission power and directly desalinated freshwater using the energy generated from the ocean’s waves. Carnegie have progressed the technology using advanced computational simulations, wave tank testing, 1/3 scale testing, onshore testing and, most recently commercial scale deployment.

Carnegie’s proprietary innovation, CETO, is capable of producing zero-emission power and freshwater. CETO is a unique, fully submerged pump-based technology, whereby a submerged buoy moves with the ocean’s waves, 1-2 metres below the ocean’s surface. Sustainability was one of the main drivers behind the creation of the CETO technology as it works to address two global issues – emissions created by traditional forms of power generation and the availability of freshwater. The CETO technology aims to provide a sustainable alternative that has a benefit both to the environment and to society.

In 2015, the CETO technology became the world’s only currently operating grid-connected wave energy array through Carnegie’s flagship project, the Perth Wave Energy Project.