Wave Energy Research Centre

The Wave Energy Research Centre (WERC) has its headquarters in the Great Southern Marine Research Facility (GSMRF) in Albany, southern Western Australia, and operates across the Albany and Perth campus locations of The University of Western Australia. WERC was established as a new knowledge hub for the ocean energy community and receives support from the Western Australian Government’s Royalties for Regions program. WERC provides world-class multi-disciplinary research in three main interlinked research programs that support ocean renewable energy projects.

In a “Surface to Seabed” approach to ocean engineering challenges faced by the industry, WERC research is focused on data collection and modelling in:

• Oceanography / Coastal Processes
• Hydrodynamics / Wave-Structure Interaction
• Geotechnics / Foundation Design

The main emphasis is on projects based in the Great Southern region of Western Australia but research links to tidal and offshore wind projects in other regions are being fostered. The broader aim of WERC is to leverage capabilities and provide solutions to partners in the public and private sectors, relating to offshore and coastal engineering, oceanography and other marine research disciplines. This includes new collaborations in the region to benefit coastal communities and industries. All WERC activities are underpinned by a strong commitment to training and mentoring, public and school outreach, and inclusivity and diversity.

WERC is founder and Steering Committee member of the Australian Ocean Energy Group (AOEG) which is an industry-led consortium that aims to accelerate innovation in and cost-competiveness of the ocean energy sector.

The WERC Management Team is being supported by guidance from an Advisory Board with representation from university, local, State and federal Government, industry and community members.