Scottish Engineering Enables First Wave Power Farm in Portugal
October 14th, 2008 Posted in NewsThe world’s first commercial wave power plant has gone on-line in Aguçadoura, Portugal. The Edinburgh company Pelamis Wave Power designed and built the floating wave energy converters, which generate energy from the motion induced by waves through the use of hydraulics.
Different sections of the wave energy converter are linked by joins, which resist the motion through hydraulic rams. The rams power hydraulic motors by pumping high-pressure liquid through them. These motors in turn drive electrical generators which produce electricity.
So far, 3 out of the planned 28 wave energy converters have been installed, already generating enough energy to power 1500 homes. Eventually, the wave farm will be able to generate 21 MW of power, enough for almost 15000 homes.
The wave farm at Aguçadoura is part of Portugal’s ambitious renewable energy plan. This plan also encompasses wind power, hydro-electric stations, and what will be the world’s largest solar farm. Portugal already generates 42% of its electricity from renewable sources.
Similar wave farms to the one at Aguçadoura are planned to be built in Scotland and off the north coast of Cornwall.
- Frank Dondelinger
