Wave energy technology to be trialled off King Island has potential for other coastal areas in Tasmania and nationwide.
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That is according to the federal government, which will invest $4 million in Wave Swell Energy Limited's pilot-scale 200 kilowatt wave energy converter.
"Wave energy is at an early demonstration stage, but has potential uses in remote and island locations," Energy Minister Angus Taylor said.
He said the $12.3 million project harnessed the rise and fall of water levels to generate electricity,.
Braddon Liberal MHR Gavin Pearce said Tasmania was leading the way in renewable energy development.
"This investment in King Island wave technology is another great example of our region leveraging off its natural assets," Mr Pearce said.
"Wave energy is a natural fit for King Island and I'm excited to see the benefits this funding in research and development will have for the island and the provision of reliable, clean energy for the region."
The federal cash would go to the project via the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
Wave Swell Energy's Tom Denniss said the project " ... aimed at demonstrating the commercial viability of the technology, is expected to be the first of many wave energy projects utilising this unique, world leading intellectual property."
ARENA said the wave energy device sat on the seabed and would be partially submerged, with an opening on one side to allow waves in and out.
Water rose and fell in the chamber, causing the pressure of the trapped air to change between negative and positive.
The pressure fluctuations forced the air through a turbine, generating electricity.
The device would be integrated with Hydro Tasmania's King Island microgrid.
"Wave Swell's unique approach to wave energy will gain valuable knowledge and help see whether this is a viable option for generating renewable energy," ARENA chief executive Darren Miller said.
He said it would provide insights into combining wind, solar and wave energy.
Tasmanian Energy Minister Guy Barnett said renewable energy was one of Tasmania's largest economic opportunities for the next decade.
"The wave energy system will integrate with Hydro Tasmania's world leading advanced hybrid power system on King Island which has saved $6.5 million in diesel fuel costs and reduced the equivalent of 16,000 cars worth of CO2 emissions each year," Mr Barnett said.
"He said the state government would continue to back projects like Wave Swell's, "which drive investment, create more local jobs and help us achieve our target of 100 per cent renewable energy self-sufficiency by 2022".
