GLADSTONE Ports Corporation is looking towards harnessing the motion of the tides to generate renewable energy.
A tidal turbine has been deployed at GPC’s Barney Point Terminal in Gladstone as part of a six-month trial aimed at demonstrating how tidal flows at the port can be harnessed to produce electricity.
GPC partnered with MAKO Turbines for the demonstration, which is the first of its kind in Australian tropical waters using port infrastructure.
Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said it was an exciting day to see the turbine in action.
“GPC may be best known for facilitating trade, but this is a clear demonstration of its commitment to sustainability and innovation,” he said.
“Through its partnership with MAKO, GPC has helped to unlock a new, predictable renewable energy option that can be embraced by other ports across Queensland.”
Queensland minister for transport Mark Bailey said the project was a strong endorsement of the state government’s commitment to its renewable target.
“Initiatives such as this tidal turbine demonstration demonstrate that we are well on the way to achieving our goal of 50% renewable energy by 2030,” he said.
“We are thrilled to see a government-owned corporation such as GPC embracing this goal and inspiring other Queensland industries to further their investigations into renewables.”
GPC CEO Peter O’Sullivan said the tidal energy demonstration is just one element in the Corporation’s renewable energy journey.
“2018 has been a breakthrough year for GPC in terms of furthering our investigations around renewable energy,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“Not only have we started to install solar panels at our sites, but we have also taken advantage of our port surrounds by partnering with MAKO in investigating cost-effective and reliable electricity through tidal energy.”
MAKO Turbines CEO Douglas Hunt said there is enormous potential in Queensland to harness ocean energy.
“The demonstration at the Port of Gladstone highlights how successfully an energy source can be tamed through innovation and strong partnerships,” he said.
“Projects such as this are instrumental in developing innovative new technologies and the vision of GPC’s stakeholders and management has been a big factor in the success of the MAKO.”
