Portugal leads the way in wave energy

LISBON (AFP) — Portugal, blessed by a lengthy deep-water Atlantic coastline and temperate climate, is leading the way in a drive to harness the power of ocean waves to produce electricity at a profit.

Portuguese scientists for the last three years have been working with foreign counterparts on a wave-energy scheme that could eventually supply nearly a fifth of Portugal's energy needs, according to the Centre for Wave Energy.

"Between now and 2012 we hope to reach a production capacity of 100 megawatts," said Professor Antonio Sarmento, the head of the centre.

"The major part of the electricity network is located on the coast, where more than half the Portuguese population lives, and has major growth potential," he told AFP.

The country's first pilot project was launched three years ago on Pico Island in the Azores, 1,500 kilometers (935 miles) off the coast of the Portuguese mainland.

Two other power stations are planned. A facility in Povoa do Varzim in the the north is billed as the world's largest wave-powered energy producer and is scheduled to come on stream later this year.

A second station should become operational at Large de Peniche in central Portugal next year.

Several technologies are being developed to capture wave power, some of which call for floating structures while others rely on submerged machinery.

Electricity produced by wave-driven turbines is carried through underground cables to the coast and integrated into the larger energy network.

Prototype trials have proven costly and complex, and Portuguese companies in the field are in many cases dependent on foreign partners. A major challenge ahead will be to preserve the working life of the equipment involved.

But Portuguese specialists insist the investment is well worth it. Cheaper than wind power, wave energy is more stable and predictable.

"While the wind comes and goes as it will, our forecasting capacity with waves is greater," commented one official with the Centre for Wave Energy.

In a sign of Portuguese credibility, the United States in late May signed a cooperation agreement with Portugal to develop wave energy.