Australia's oceans could supply some 10% of the nation's electricity needs by 2050, according to a new study by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
The study, entitled 'Ocean Renewable Energy: 2015-2050', states that wave energy technology could benefit areas such as Perth, the southern coastline and, to a lesser extent, the east coast of Australia.
In addition, the Tasmania and the Kimberley region in Western Australia could also benefit from tidal technology, according to the report, which was carried out by the Wealth from Oceans and Energy Transformed Flagships.
CSIRO Wealth from Oceans Flagship director Ian Cresswell said: "Given the potential of ocean energy and the fact that it's a very new technology, CSIRO wanted to understand what is the sustainable level at which this resource could be used for energy supply and whether it could be competitive with other energy technologies.
"Assessing the opportunities and challenges from resource to the market is a first for ocean renewable energy in Australia."
