Chatham Concept Layout

The Chatham Island Wave Power Project will comprise a shoreline 25m wide collector structure, which traps the water rising in a breaking wave.

The oscillating water column that is created within the chamber causes the air above it to be alternately blown out and sucked back, driving a Wells turbine.

The Wells Turbine generates electricity which will enter the Chatham Island Electricity Ltd. network via an existing underground 11kV cable on the Waitangi - Tuku Road.

Diagram of Chatham Collector Concept