Brisbane, Australia - A Brisbane inventor is hoping to harness the power of the ocean during a six-month trial of a floating wave generator starting in Moreton Bay next week.

The tests, which involve a 30-metre long plastic prototype capable of generating 300 watts of power each hour, could lead to the development of bigger wave-power stations suited to small coastal communities in the future.

The $200,000 device allows the waves that pass underneath to push air from one chamber into another. The movement of air drives a turbine to generate power.

The "Nautilus" prototype, designed by Brisbane inventor Ivan Voropaev and built with Queensland Government support, was lowered into the Brisbane River at Murarrie this morning.

Balance of article: Brisbane Times