Offshore geophysical site surveys and associated data analysis have been completed at Carnegie Wave Energy’s CETO 6 Project at Garden Island.
The geophysical survey activities used a number of different methods, including single and multi-beam echo sounding, side scan sonar and sub-bottom profiling to determine the composition and features of the seabed across the potential project sites.
Benthic habitat mapping was also undertaken which showed the proposed CETO 6 sites were typical with those found on the western side of Garden Island. Offshore from Five Fathom Bank, the habitats were shown to consist of bare sandy areas or limestone reef covered by a sand veneer. The benthic habitat mapping results will feed directly into offshore work packages, such as foundation design.
The surveys and analysis work have allowed Carnegie, working alongside Marine GeoSolutions and RPS Energy, to identify a number of feasible sites for the CETO 6 Project within its offshore licence area. The survey results verified the expected seabed conditions of the potential project sites, allowing the Carnegie team to further progress project work packages such as unit foundations, electrical cable routes and unit installation methodology.
In addition to geophysical survey activities and ongoing stakeholder consultation for the CETO 6 Project, Carnegie was also given the opportunity to take part in ARENA’s technology showcase, held at Parliament House, Canberra. The invitation-only showcase allowed Carnegie to provide an update on the CETO 6 Project to members of Parliament and invited guests.