Breakwater rehabilitation works have started in Portugal for Eco Wave Power’s megawatt-scale wave energy project following damage caused by a storm.
Administração dos Portos do Douro, Leixões e Viana do Castelo (APDL) is carrying out the rehabilitation works at the Barra do Douro breakwater in Porto, as part of its responsibility for the maintenance and reinforcement of the port infrastructure.
According to Eco Wave Power, the works are progressing at the project site, including works affecting the coastal infrastructure designated for the installation of the company’s wave energy technology.
Furthermore, APDL is set to provide Eco Wave Power with a formal letter of support in connection with the company’s request to the relevant Portuguese authorities for an extension of the grid-connection deadline applicable to the first 1 MW phase of the project. The requested extension is intended to align the project’s regulatory timetable with the completion of APDL’s infrastructure rehabilitation works and the subsequent installation of Eco Wave Power’s equipment.
“Seeing the rehabilitation works officially commence at the Barra do Douro breakwater is an important step forward for our project in Portugal,” said Inna Braverman , Founder and CEO of Eco Wave Power. “Our first 1 MW installation in Porto represents a major milestone for Eco Wave Power as we advance from pilot-scale projects toward megawatt-scale deployment. APDL’s commencement of the rehabilitation works brings us closer to the point at which our installation activities can begin.”
As part of her upcoming visit to Porto, Braverman shall meet with a number of Portuguese subcontractors that cover key execution areas including civil engineering, steel works and fabrication, hydraulic systems, electrical works and grid connection, as well as additional local engineering and construction activities required for the implementation of the 1 MW installation.
Eco Wave Power’s technology is designed to be installed on existing man-made coastal infrastructure, such as breakwaters, jetties and piers, with the aim of simplifying installation and maintenance while avoiding the need for offshore seabed deployment. The company’s agreement with APDL provides for the potential development of up to 20 MW of wave energy capacity, with the planned 1 MW installation serving as the first phase.
According to the firm, the Porto project is expected to provide important execution and operational experience at megawatt scale and support the company’s broader strategy of developing commercial-scale wave energy projects in Portugal and other international markets.