The first megawatt-scale wave energy station by Eco Wave Power is set to be built in Porto, Portugal. This groundbreaking project aims to harness the power of coastal waves to generate electricity, marking a significant milestone in renewable energy technology.
Key Facts
- Eco Wave Power’s first megawatt-scale wave energy station will be constructed in Porto, Portugal.
- The project includes a wave energy museum and education center.
- Construction is expected to begin within the next two years.
- The station will have an initial capacity of 1 MW, with plans to expand to 20 MW.
Project Overview
Eco Wave Power has been developing its wave energy system for over a decade. The technology involves floaters attached to coastal infrastructure that rise and fall with the motion of waves. This movement drives hydraulic pistons, which in turn run a generator to produce electricity. The system is designed to operate continuously, with the ability to raise the floats during stormy conditions to prevent damage.
Historical Context
The journey of Eco Wave Power began with early prototypes tested in tanks back in 2012. The first grid-connected setup was installed in Gibraltar in 2016, running for six years before being moved to the Port of Los Angeles for a demonstration project. Another installation was connected to the grid at Jaffa Port in Israel last year. The company has also signed several deals globally, including a 77-MW project in Turkey.
Porto Project Details
The Porto project, announced in 2020, received construction approval in March of this year. The site will not only host the wave energy station but also a unique wave energy museum and education center located underneath the breakwater. This space will house much of Eco Wave Power’s equipment and will be open to the public.
Future Prospects
Construction of the 1-MW station is expected to begin within the next two years, with plans to expand the project across four locations to a maximum capacity of 20 MW. According to Inna Bravermann, founder and CEO of Eco Wave Power, this project aims to demonstrate significant energy production from wave power and position the company as a leader in wave energy technology.
“We believe that this will be the first wave energy project in the world to show significant energy production from the power of the waves,” said Bravermann. “I truly believe that this revolutionary project will position Eco Wave Power as a leading wave energy developer and serve as a significant milestone towards the commercialization of our wave energy technology globally.”
