On Portugal’s northern coast, at the entrance to the Port of Porto, construction is planned for the world’s first onshore wave power station with a capacity of 1 megawatt. The project is being carried out by Swedish company Eco Wave Power Global AB. The station will be built directly into the existing Barra do Douro breakwater, where the motion of ocean waves will be converted into electrical energy.
Before the project launch, specialists from Eco Wave Power, together with experts from the Dutch company MetOcean Consult, conducted a comprehensive study of the hydrometeorological conditions and the loads on the structure. The analysis confirmed that the site is fully suitable for installing the equipment.
The technology involves installing float devices on the outer side of the breakwater. Wave motion activates a hydraulic system, which drives a generator. The main equipment will be placed inside the inner part of the breakwater — the so-called "Gallery." This solution reduces environmental impact and simplifies station maintenance. The facility is expected to begin supplying electricity to the grid in 2026.
Portugal has long been considered one of Europe’s leaders in the development of renewable energy. Wind, solar and hydroelectric power are already widely used here, and now it is wave energy’s turn.
