OES-Environmental distributes metadata forms (questionnaires) to solicit information from developers involved in environmental monitoring around marine renewable energy project sites around the world. This page provides project descriptions, baseline assessment, post-installation monitoring, and links to available data and reports. Content is updated on an annual basis.

Oceanlinx MK1

Description

The Oceanlinx Mk1 full scale prototype was fitted out and first deployed in 2005. The approximately 500 tonne device used a parabolic wall to concentrate the wave energy into its 100 square metre Oscillating Water Chamber (OWC). The device made use of a Denniss-Auld turbine. The Mk1 Full Scale prototype was one of the first full scale wave energy devices in the world. Its operation between 2005 and 2009 has provided invaluable test and operational data guiding the development of subsequent designs.

Location

The device was located at Port Kembla, approximately 100km south of Sydney, Australia.

Licensing Information

As the device was located below the high water mark, the licensing for the device fell outside the jurisdiction of the local and state authorities. It was determined that authorisation of the project was required from NSW Fisheries, Maritime Authority of NSW and Department of Lands. A license for the area was granted by the State Department of Lands. This has rolled over from 2004 to 2011 to cover deployment of M2 and Mk3PC.

Project Progress

Tests completed. Turbine testing was certified by Llyods Register. After being officially decommissioned in 2009, the structure remained in the water. While plans to remove the device were in progress, Oceanlinx was bankrupted in April 2014. As of 2016, the rusty device still remains in the water, while the government makes plans to remove the structure.

Key Environmental Issues

There were no adverse environmental effects witnessed during operation.

Post-Installation Monitoring: Oceanlinx MK1

Stressor Receptor Study Description Design and Methods Results Status
Habitat Change Fish, Marine Mammals N/A N/A Low fish and fauna count on seabed, increasing amongst blocks that form breakwater. N/A
Changes in Flow Physical Environment Water and sediment quality N/A Was not affected by the installation of the device. N/A
Changes in Flow Physical Environment Coastal processes (sediment fluxes, waves and tidal currents) N/A No perceptible effect as the site is a low energy environment (10kW/m) and the device is positioned in front of the breakwater. N/A
Changes in Flow Physical Environment Onshore physical environment N/A Onshore physical environment consists of several breakwaters surrounding a large industrial site. N/A