Western Australia’s first tidal plant approved

• 10 years ago (2013-07-22)
• Junior Isles

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Western Australia’s first tidal power station has been given approval by Environment Minister Albert Jacob.

The power station is to be built at Doctor's Creek near Derby, and will have a generating capacity of 40 MW – enough to power 10 000-15 000 local homes, according to authorities.

Tidal Energy Australia's proposed build includes construction of the station and accompanying distribution systems and power lines to major centres in the West Kimberley area.

"TEA is now seeking to proceed with this WA-first project after putting it on hold for a number of years following previous assessments and appeal decisions," Mr Jacob said.

A plan to build a station near Derby was put forward in 1998, but was scuppered by the Environmental Protection Authority in 1999.

The new bid has been given approval subject to 14 environmental conditions including protection of mangroves, groundwater quality and minimisation of dust generation from the project and research into erosion and sedimentation patterns.

Now that approval has been granted, Tidal Energy Australia will be looking to negotiate funding for the project, Mr Jacob indicated in a statement.