The emerging science of biomimicry has yielded another innovative solution to one of our most pressing problems: clean, renewable energy.
BioPower Systems Awarded $5 Million Renewable Energy Development Grant
Sydney, Australia, 4 February 2008: Australia’s ocean energy company, BioPower Systems Pty Limited, has been awarded a $5 million grant under the Australian Government’s AusIndustry Renewable Energy Development Initiative (REDI). The grant will be matched by BioPower to fund a $10.3 million, two-year project involving the deployment and ocean-testing of the company’s proprietary wave and tidal- current energy converters. The funds will also be used in the development of new designs and production methods in preparation for the manufacture of commercial products at the end of the pilot project in 2009.
BioPower System’s ocean power conversion technologies are based on the concept of biomimicry, using biological species as inspiration in engineering design. The bioWAVE wave power system and bioSTREAM tidal power system are visibly reminiscent of sea plants and swimming species. The inventor of these ocean power technologies, BioPower’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Tim Finnigan, said: “Some of the traits that we observe in large sea plants and fish provide us with clues on how to design machines that will function well in the ocean environment, convert energy efficiently, and survive in the worst storms.” Continued…
:: Picture: BioPower System’s “bioWAVE“