Labor picks Carnegie for Albany energy deal

WA Labor has promised the state’s sixth-largest town, Albany, would become fully powered by renewable energy – if elected – under a $19.5 million funding commitment with Carnegie Clean Energy.

North Fremantle-based Carnegie said today that Labor had committed $19.5 million to fund a wave project and a research centre in Albany, the former of which would incorporate Carnegie’s CETO wave technology to power the town.

It will involve an initial 1 megawatt unit, followed by a 20MW wave farm which, if successful, could lead to a 100MW expansion.

Carnegie managing director Michael Ottaviano said he would target 100 per cent renewable energy for Albany within two to three years.

“It’s time for Australia to embrace the potential of wave energy,” he said.

“It is well understood that our wave resource is the best in the world. It is essential that we take advantage of this resource and the world-leading capability and technology that exists in companies like Carnegie.

“Wave energy justifiably demands the sort of investment that other power technologies, whether fossil fuel or renewable, have benefited from. Unlike other power technologies where Australia has become a ‘technology taker’, wave has the potential to build an industry we can commercialise locally and export globally.

“Carnegie is uniquely positioned as the owner and developer of integrated renewable energy solutions and has an unparalleled track record in the delivery of renewable microgrid projects.”

Labor leader Mark McGowan has committed $19.5 million that would be reallocated from a dumped Albany to Bunbury gas pipeline plan.