Eco Wave Power engages Portuguese engineering firm for Porto wave energy project 

Eco Wave Power, a wave energy developer, has hired Portuguese firm MOQ Engineering to handle the final design work and load calculations for its Porto wave energy project. This move brings the project closer to its scheduled launch in 2026.

According to Eco Wave Power, the project forms part of a 20 MW concession agreement with Administração dos Portos do Douro, Leixões e Viana do Castelo (APDL), designed to integrate the company’s onshore wave energy technology. The initiative is said to align with Portugal’s ambition to derive 85% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

MOQ Engineering’s task is said to involve developing final civil engineering designs and detailed load calculations for the floaters, key components in Eco Wave Power’s wave energy system. The company noted that these steps are important for ensuring the safe and effective installation of the floaters at the Porto site. Completion of this design phase is expected by February 2025.

Once MOQ finalizes its scope, Eco Wave Power said it plans to submit the complete execution project, including engineering and technical specifications, to APDL for approval. Approval will trigger the next phase: production of the floaters and associated structural elements.

“We are honored to partner with Eco Wave Power on this innovative wave energy project. At MOQ, we pride ourselves on delivering engineering solutions that align with the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and sustainability,” said Manuel Cardoso, Partner of MOQ Engineering.

“This project reflects our commitment to leveraging advanced technologies like building information modelling (BIM) and parametric design to optimize results while contributing to Portugal’s ambitious renewable energy goals. We are excited to play a part in showcasing the potential of wave energy as a reliable, sustainable power source and to help pave the way for global adoption of this groundbreaking technology.” 

This MW-scale project is intended to validate the viability of large-scale wave energy generation. Beyond energy output, it is anticipated to cut carbon emissions, generate jobs, and support innovation in Portugal’s renewable energy sector.

Eco Wave Power is also progressing on other wave energy ventures, including projects in Taiwan and the Port of Los Angeles. As it seeks to expand its presence in the wave energy market, the company said it expects to unveil additional international initiatives soon.

“This collaboration with MOQ Engineering represents significant progress in the development of our Portuguese project. Their expertise in engineering and design ensures that we are meeting the highest safety and operational standards. With their work on track for completion this February, we are steadily moving closer to the production phase and the realization of our goal to make wave energy an integral part of Portugal’s renewable energy mix,” added Inna Braverman, CEO of Eco Wave Power.

In addition to energy production, the project includes an underwater wave energy museum and education center in “The Gallery”, beneath the breakwater where the energy conversion units will be placed. 

In August 2024, the company launched its first MW-scale wave energy project in Porto, Portugal. The company’s CEO and engineering team held a site visit with APDL (Administração dos Portos do Douro, Leixões e Viana do Castelo, S.A) and other stakeholders for the kickoff of the company’s first MW-scale wave energy project. 

To remind, Eco Wave Power established a wholly owned subsidiary EW Portugal -Wave Energy Solutions in Portugal in September 2020 to commence official licensing procedures for its 20 MW wave energy project.