Eco Wave Power Advances 1 MW Portugal Project as Breakwater Works Begin

Eco Wave Power has moved closer to its first megawatt-scale wave energy installation in Porto, Portugal, as port authority APDL begins rehabilitation of the Barra do Douro breakwater. The works follow storm damage and affect the coastal infrastructure designated for the company's technology. With the rehabilitation underway, Eco Wave Power's chief executive will travel to Porto to establish a completion timeline and coordinate site access, marking a step toward the company's shift from pilot projects to megawatt-scale deployment.

 

Progress on the Project

 

Eco Wave Power has reported continued progress in Portugal. Its first megawatt-scale wave energy project is located in Porto. This progress follows an important development at the site. Port authority APDL has commenced rehabilitation works. These works affect the Barra do Douro breakwater.

The rehabilitation is a significant milestone for the project. APDL has confirmed the works are underway and progressing. This includes works affecting the designated coastal infrastructure. That infrastructure is where the company's technology will be installed. The commencement therefore directly advances the wave energy project.

 

The Breakwater Rehabilitation

 

The rehabilitation addresses damage to port infrastructure. The works follow storm-related damage to the breakwater. APDL is carrying out the rehabilitation as the responsible authority. This falls under its role maintaining and reinforcing port infrastructure. The works are essential before installation can proceed.

The timing of these works shapes the project schedule. The wave energy installation depends on the breakwater's condition. The rehabilitation must progress before installation can begin. This creates a dependency between the two activities. Coordinating these timelines is central to the project's advancement.

 

Coordinating the Timeline

 

The company is taking steps to establish clearer timing. Its chief executive Inna Braverman will travel to Porto in mid-August 2026. She will hold an official meeting with APDL there. The meeting will focus on the rehabilitation completion timeline. It will also coordinate when the company can access the infrastructure.

This coordination is critical for planning the installation phase. Establishing a completion timeline provides greater visibility. It allows the company to plan its own installation activities. This clarity supports the transition into the execution phase. The meeting represents an important step in this planning.

 

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Regulatory Support

 

APDL is also assisting with a regulatory challenge. It has agreed to provide a formal letter of support. This relates to the company's grid-connection deadline. The company is requesting an extension from Portuguese authorities. The letter supports this request to the relevant bodies.

The extension aims to align regulatory and construction timelines. The grid-connection deadline applies to the first 1 MW phase. The requested extension would match the regulatory timetable to the works. This recognises that installation depends on the rehabilitation. Aligning these timelines reduces the risk of regulatory conflict.

 

Building Local Execution Capacity

 

The company is developing a local delivery ecosystem. Braverman will meet Portuguese subcontractors during her visit. These contractors are expected to play significant project roles. The meetings will cover several key execution areas. These span civil engineering, steel works and fabrication.

The scope of local engagement is broad. It also covers hydraulic systems and electrical works. Grid connection and additional engineering activities are included. Engaging local contractors forms part of the company's strategy. This establishes strong local execution infrastructure for the project.

 

Strategic Significance

 

The project marks a major step for the company. It represents a shift from pilot-scale projects toward megawatt-scale deployment. This transition is significant for the company's development. The 1 MW installation is the first phase of a larger plan. Portugal is described as a key European market for the company.

The broader potential extends well beyond the first phase. The agreement with APDL allows for up to 20 MW of capacity. The 1 MW installation serves as the initial phase of this. The company's technology installs on existing coastal infrastructure. This approach avoids offshore seabed deployment and its associated complexity.