OLD GUILDFORDIANS
For the past ten years Michael and
his team, who have been sourced
from all over the world, have been
continuously developing, testing
and refining the world’s only oceantested wave energy technology.
such as Carnegie’s. It is for this reason he believes that there should
be more scientists in politics. The biggest challenge in this business
venture is capital. In order to commercialise and sell their idea,
Carnegie Wave Energy needs money for development. Power ideas
are generally heavy on resources and slow to develop, making the
project less appealing to investors who generally gravitate to faster
yielding investments. It was at this time that students began to
learn the way in which Carnegie Wave Energy raises money from
stockholders, investors, equity holders and various government
investments. Carnegie Wave Energy has raised money with good
success for an alternative energy company, having raised over $100
million dollars so far, with more needed in the future.
The Year 7 and Year 8 science students used the occasion to learn
about the various types of sustainable energy systems, what the pros
and cons of wave energy are, and the challenges Michael and his team
have to overcome. He explained to the students the various aspects of
wave energy and how Carnegie’s system works, more specifically. In
way of feedback, Michael mentioned how impressed he was with the
students and the high standard of questions they were asking.
Looking towards the future, Carnegie Wave Energy looks to
commercialise their product overseas. The company has conducted
research, produced and sold both energy and freshwater to the
Australian Department of Defence to supply Australia’s largest
naval base, HMAS Stirling, located on Garden Island. Currently the
company operates their CETO 5 design, an 11 metre diameter buoy
producing 240kW, from Garden Island here in Western Australia,
and in Cornwall in the United Kingdom. Building on the experience
gained in previous CETO generations, the CETO 6, with a buoy 20
metres in diameter, has a targeted power capacity of 1 MW and is
on track to being demonstrated in 2017.
Overall the first instalment of the Old Guildfordian in Residence
program was a highly valuable experience for the students and staff
of the School. For the development of the program, thanks must be
given to the prefect group, led by Benjamin Armstrong (12 Fr) and
Ms Jennyfer Leah, Director of Student Leadership and Training,
with assistance from The Old Guildfordians Association. Dr Michael
Ottaviano was able to provide pupils with valuable insight into
Carnegie Wave Energy and he shared how the fields of science,
engineering and commerce all come together at his workplace.
He also provided students with advice for their time at school
and for their pathway after graduation. Students were given a
real world example of an Old Guildfordian making a difference in
the community and the world. Hopefully the Old Guildfordian in
Residence program continues to develop, in order to nurture the
connection between the current student population and innovative
and inspirational alumni, such as Dr Michael Ottaviano.
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