The Moored MultiModal Multibody Device “Kwilyilah”: Honoring Noongar Culture

The Moored MultiModal Multibody (M4) wave energy device has been named “Kwilyilah” in recognition of Noongar cultural heritage. 

Named by Elders in collaboration with the Albany Heritage Reference Group, “Kwilyilah” meaning “dolphin,” symbolizes the device’s leaping motion above water and its connection to coastal communities.

UWA Oceans Institute highlighted the deep-rooted ocean knowledge of the Noongar people, making the naming a significant step towards integrating cultural awareness into renewable energy projects.

“M4 is now proudly displaying its Noongar name,” shared UWA Oceans Institute on social media.

The M4 wave energy device, constructed with structural steel beams and steel floater buoys, features a triangular forward frame, a trailing arm, and a power generator on the connecting hinge.

Funded by the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre, WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and UWA, the project will be deployed off Albany’s Whaling Station.

In late November, UWA’s M4 wave energy converter underwent its first scheduled maintenance checks after the initial deployment phase.