Wave Energy: Figueira da Foz, Portugal
- Location
- Figueira da Foz, Portugal.
- Site Description
- Finavera Renewables is developing the first phase of a commercial power project site in Figueira de Foz, Portugal to build a 100MW offshore wave energy plant. Initially, a 2MW demonstration plant is planned followed by the potential expansion of the plant to 100MW.
- Potential Facility Size
- Initially, a 2MW demonstration plant will be constructed. Commercial expansion of the plant to 100MW would follow.
- Project Overview
- The Figueira da Foz offshore pilot power plant consists of AquaBuOYs, patented wave energy converters that are moored in clusters several miles offshore where wave resources are greatest. The mechanical portion of this plant will consist of several hundred low-profile moored AquaBuOYs, each with a nameplate capacity of 250 kW, placed approximately three nautical miles offshore in water depths of 50-60 meters to transform wave energy into usable electrical energy. The project is strongly supported by both Energias de Portugal, Portugal's largest power utility. Finavera Renewables is in the final stages of negotiations for a 1.3m Euro grant from the European Commission for this project.