Portuguese waves for Eco Wave Power
Portugal is described as a country with some of the best wave resources in the world, and Eco Wave Power is planning to tap this resource for its Porto-based commercial-sized project.
Big waves, a long coastline and an easy-to-navigate regulatory framework are a winning combination, according to Inna Braverman, founder and chief executive officer of Stockholm-headquartered Eco Wave Power, who describes Portugal as an attractive location for their upcoming project.
To showcase what their kit can do, Braverman and her team are planning construction of a commercial-scale wave energy project in the Portuguese city of Porto.
The final approval has been granted by the APDL Port Authority allowing for the construction works to start, and Eco Wave Power has issued a performance bond committing to finishing the project within two years.
“We believe this will be the first wave energy project in the world to show significant energy production from the power of the waves,” said Braverman.
Braverman explains that they will start construction on 1 MW of the 20 MW project, due to legislation that is unique to Portugal. “Portugal has a special regulatory scheme for power stations of up to 1 MW, allowing access to licensing in under six months. You can move into construction quickly and then while you’re in construction already, begin licensing the rest of the megawatts.”
The Porto project will be situated at a breakwater jetty called Barra do Douro pier, at the mouth of the Douro River. The unique feature of this project is the 300 m2 room underwater, which will be available to the public once the power station is opened.
