A wave energy company hopes its 19-megawatt project off the coast of Portland will generate thousands of energy jobs.

Victorian Wave Partners is joining with the US manufacturing giant Lockheed Martin to build 28 buoys that will generate power from the waves off Portland’s coast.

Work on the $232 million project is expected to begin next year.

The company’s George Taylor says local subcontractors will be used and many others will be employed.

“The number will become very significant, very quickly I believe into thousands of people,” he said.

“In the Warrnambool and Portland areas there are some very good fabricators and I’m sure they’ll play a part.”

Anita Rank from the Committee for Portland says it is working to connect local businesses to the energy company.

“We’re keen to see local manufacturing be involved, that benefits the whole community,” she said.

She says the community is enthusiastic about the project.

“It’s consistent with our vision of promoting the region as a renewable energy hub,” she said.

The Federal Government has contributed $66 million to the project, which will generate enough electricity to power 10,000 homes.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-07-13/wave-energy-project-promises-jobs-boost/4128666