Marine Energy Research Australia

Marine Energy Research Australia (MERA) collaborates with Australian and international ocean energy industry partners, academic researchers and Government to facilitate innovative renewable energy technology and fieldwork activities. Marine research includes wave energy, offshore fixed and floating wind, floating solar and tidal energy. MERA 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. The research Centre receives support from the Western Australian Government’s Royalties for Regions program and the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre. A key project is the deployment of a prototype version of the M4 Wave Energy Converter (short for ‘Moored MultiModal Multibody’) in King George Sound, Albany. This will demonstrate wave energy’s potential to power the aquaculture industry and enable an ecosystem of other surrounding activities including development of a test site/market demonstrator and academic research in multiple fields and institutions. The Centre's mandate also includes collaborations in the region to benefit coastal communities and industries. All MERA activities are underpinned by a strong commitment to training and mentoring, public and school outreach, and inclusivity and diversity.