Riding the Wave: How Portugal Harnesses Tidal Energy

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The energy sector of Portugal, similar to many of its European counterparts is undergoing an important transition. Historically, the country has depended on coal to satisfy its demand for energy. However, environmental concerns around fossil fuel emissions have contributed to the government’s decision to transition into renewable energy completely by 2030, when it subsequently plans to shut down its production of coal.

Presently, about 30% of Portugal’s energy comes from renewable sources (as compared to the 40% contribution of coal). An urgent need to plan and implement projects that make the desired switch feasible has existed for the past few years, and one positive outcome of that urgency is the government’s renewed interest in tidal energy. This comes after the failure of the Aguçadoura Wave Farm (the first commercial wind farm of the world) in 2008.

The government of Portugal has actively invited foreign investment into the renewable energy sector. To improve tidal power production in the next few years, the government has invited CorPower Ocean (a Sweedish tidal energy generation company) to set up a research and development, and manufacturing facility in the northern Portuguese port city of Viana do Castelo. The Project, which is already underway has already received investments in excess of $18m investment, which has positively contributed to employment generation in the region. Portugal has also been keen to invest in novel technologies, with the setting up of an offshore wave power generation in the seaside municipality in Portugal. Currently, under trial, this project is expected to provide electricity to residential areas directly and is testimony to the efficacy and need of renewable energy in developing countries.