Renewable Energy in the Great Southern
The Great Southern is rapidly becoming a hub for renewable energy projects, significantly contributing to the state’s energy transition. This region is home to large-scale wind farms, and a major wave energy project. These projects aim to harness the region’s abundant wind and wave energy resources to generate clean, sustainable energy, supporting both local and state-wide energy needs. The University of Western Australia’s Wave Energy Research Centre is also developing a wave energy prototype in Albany, positioning the city as a hub for wave energy technology. These initiatives are expected to create jobs, boost local economies, and contribute to a more sustainable future, aligning with the state’s goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Projects
The GSDC plays an important role in supporting and advancing renewable energy projects in the region. By engaging with energy project proponents, providers, and regional customers, the GSDC helps to track and support initiatives that progress access to cleaner energy for communities and industries.
Key projects in the region include the Flat Rocks Wind Farm Stage 1 (76MW) between Kojonup and Broomehill-Tambellup, Albany Wind Farm (35.4MW), Mt Barker Community Wind Farm (2.4MW), and Denmark Community Windfarm (1.6MW). Additionally, the GSDC supports the University of Western Australia’s Wave Energy Research Centre, which has developed a wave energy prototype launched off the coast of Albany. The M4 Wave Energy Converter Prototype project aims to position Albany as a hub for wave energy technology, stimulating further investment, research, and economic benefits for the region.
Through these efforts, the GSDC is helping to drive the Great Southern’s transition to a sustainable energy future.
Wave Energy
The Albany M4 Wave Energy Demonstration Project, Australia’s only active wave energy initiative, concluded its six-month trial in 2025, following the successful deployment of the M4 wave energy converter, nicknamed Kwilyilah, in King George Sound.
The 22-metre, 42-tonne device operated for over 130 days, generating power for more than 300 hours. Constructed by local manufacturers and deployed in November 2024, the trial focused on assessing the device’s performance and its potential to support low-emission energy solutions, particularly in sectors like aquaculture.
The project is supported by the Marine Energy Research Australia (MERA) centre in Albany, established with state government funding, alongside contributions from the Australian Government’s Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre and the Australian Ocean Energy Group.
By positioning Albany as a hub for marine renewable energy, the initiative is helping to attract further investment, research, and economic opportunities to the Great Southern region, reinforcing the region’s leadership in sustainable innovation.
