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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

Oceanlinx MK1

Contents

MRE Project Site

Title: Oceanlinx MK1
Status:
Operation Ended
Project Manager:
Oceanlinx
Tech Developer:
Oceanlinx
Start Date:
End Date:
Info Last Updated:
Contact:
Sean Barrett
(login for email address)
PRIMRE Link:
Projects Database

Details

Device Name:
Oceanlinx MK1
Technology:
Marine Energy, Wave
Technology Subtype:
Floating
Project Scale:
Single Device
Grid Connection:
Non Grid-Connected
Installed Capacity:
0.5 MW
Country:
Australia
Physical Site:
Open Coast, Noisy Environment (>80 dB)

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.

Environmental Monitoring: Oceanlinx MK1

ID Phase Stressor & Receptor Design and Methods Results
6813 Post-Installation Monitoring Habitat Change

Fish, Marine Mammals 		N/A
N/A 		N/A
Low fish and fauna count on seabed, increasing amongst blocks that form breakwater.
6814 Post-Installation Monitoring Changes in Flow

Physical Environment 		Water and sediment quality
N/A 		N/A
Was not affected by the installation of the device.
6815 Post-Installation Monitoring Changes in Flow

Physical Environment 		Coastal processes (sediment fluxes, waves and tidal currents)
N/A 		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.
6816 Post-Installation Monitoring Changes in Flow

Physical Environment 		Onshore physical environment
N/A 		N/A
Onshore physical environment consists of several breakwaters surrounding a large industrial site.