Description
From 2016 to 2022, Eco Wave Power was operating the only grid-connected wave energy array in the world, which was operating through a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement), in Gibraltar. The station was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and recently received funding from Horizon2020 Phase 1 program. The station’s installed capacity was 100KW, which was part of an overall PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) entered between Eco Wave Power and the Government of Gibraltar and Gibraltar’s Electric Authority. Upon expansion to the full 5MW, the power station is set to provide Gibraltar with up to 15% of its energy needs. The technology is an onshore point absorber which is comprised of floaters attached to an existing jetty through robust mechanical arms. The station was comprised of eight floaters and a conversion unit located in the tunnel, with leads to the Ammunition jetty in Gibraltar.
Location
The array was located on the Ammunition Jetty which is located on the East-side of Gibraltar.
Licensing Information
Organizations involved:
- Eco Wave Power Ltd.
- Eco Wave Power Gibraltar
- H.M. Government of Gibraltar.
- Gibraltar Electricity Authority.
- ERDF (provided a grant to the project- http://www.eufunding.gi/index.php?url=proj14
- H2020 Program
Project Progress
In 2014, Eco Wave Power entered a 5MW Power Purchase Agreement with the Government of Gibraltar and the Gibraltar Electric Utility. EWP connected the 100kW wave energy power array to the national electric grid in May 2016, and in March 2022 the project was stopped.
Key Environmental Issues
EWP’s floaters do not connect to the ocean floor, and do not create any new presence in the ocean. EWP only connects its’ floaters to existent man-made structures. There is no underwater mooring or underwater electric cables. In addition, Eco Wave Power uses biodegradable hydraulic fluid, which is not dangerous to the environment in case of a spill.
Specifically, in Gibraltar, on the cliffs adjacent to the power station, there are scores of nesting birds which are protected by the local authority. Therefore, the company does not interfere with the local bird population by not using high structures and by not utilizing aerial drones.