MAKO tidal turbine set for Gladstone port demonstration

Australian-based tidal energy company MAKO Tidal Turbines (MTT) and Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) have joined forces to conduct a six-month tidal turbine demonstration in Queensland.

The project, set for deployment at Port of Gladstone, will investigate how tidal energy can contribute to Australia’s energy mix by producing clean, predictable renewable energy.

MAKO said its tidal turbine is expected to be installed at GPC’s Barney Point Terminal within months.

Douglas Hunt, CEO of MTT, said: “By using existing structures at GPC’s wharves, similar to those found around the world, MAKO tidal turbines can be installed cost-effectively and in much shorter timeframes than if floating or seabed mounting systems were used.”

Peter O’Sullivan, CEO of GPC, added: “GPC has long recognized the potential to extract energy from the tides in Gladstone and we are pleased to now be able to investigate this further as we continue on our pathway to a sustainable future.”