Prospects for the development of renewable ocean energy in Australia

Australia has significant ocean wave and tidal energy resources and the development of the country's nascent marine energy industry presents opportunities for the blue economy, while actively contributing to carbon abatement measures. On the north coast of Western Australia the tidal ranges are significant on a global scale and some geographic features of the continent have local tidal resonances. The East Australian Current, one of the world's major westerly boundary currents, runs along the east coast of Australia, offering potential for ocean current energy. Sea water temperatures in tropical north-eastern Australia could also allow ocean thermal energy to be converted. At present the industry in Australia (as elsewhere in the world) is hampered by many cross-cutting issues including: underdeveloped technology, potential for environmental impact, unclear policy and regulation and modest levels of investment. Despite the challenges, technology and project developers, researchers, academics and political stakeholders are consolidating their efforts to explore possible ways of developing the new industry. A key element in this effort is increased coordination within the sector, as well as the need for a representative body to lead the necessary initiatives to support the growth and management of the new industry as an element of the booming «blue economy».