The State Government will continue its $12.5million investment in a proposed low-emissions power station, after proponents requested to relocate the project from Albany to Garden Island.

Environment Minister Donna Faragher and Energy Minister Peter Collier agreed to continue the funding for Carnegie Corporation’s wave energy project, through the Low Emissions Energy Development (LEED) fund.

Mrs Faragher said the Government sought advice from the probity auditor, Paxon Group, and the Western Australian Chief Scientist, after it was notified of Carnegie’s preferred new location.

“The company nominated an area west of Garden Island as the preferred location for its wave energy project, as it was considered to be the lower risk option for the demonstration facility,” she said.

“An assessment of the relocation proposal, completed by the Department of Environment and Conservation, showed it would still meet the original project objectives and probity requirements.

“The contractual conditions placed on the company when the original LEED funding announcement was made in February remain unchanged.

“This means Carnegie Corporation is still required to match every $1 of Government investment with $3 from elsewhere, leading to a direct total investment of $50million in low-emissions electricity generation in WA.”

The power station will use submerged pumping units on the seafloor to collect wave energy in the form of pressurised sea water, which would generate electricity from a hydroelectric turbine onshore.

Mr Collier said calmer and more predictable sea conditions off Garden Island, combined with proximity to high-technology support services, were the two main reasons behind the change in site.

He said the State Government supported Carnegie’s relocation plan, which aimed to deliver optimum performance from the five megawatt (MW) power station.

“The Government’s investment also gives the company a platform to explore the benefits of a larger scale 50MW power station, which would have the potential to save 240,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year,” Mr Collier said.

“By agreeing to the company’s request, we are supporting good science and ensuring that WA is placed at the forefront of the green energy revolution.

“The Liberal-National Government remains committed to the development of renewable energy supplies in WA and to the national target of 20 per cent renewable energy by 2020.

“I am encouraged by the ongoing interest in the LEED fund, and the Government looks forward to continuing to work with industry leaders and innovators to deliver practical energy solutions.”