Thursday 2 June 2016

Wave energy plant switched on in Gibraltar

A wave energy plant has been switched on in Gibraltar.

It is believed to be the first of its kind in Europe that is connected to an electricity grid, according to the firm Eco Wave Power.

The site consists of an array of wave power generators which produce 100KW of electricity and is sent into the grid.

It also includes floaters that move up and down with the movement of the waves and create pressure that drives a hydro motor and a generator.

The technology provides smart automation system that controls the power station's storm-protection mechanism and ensures stable transmission of clean electricity to the grid.

David Leb and Inna Braverman, Eco Wave Power's Co-founders, said: "We are already taking the next steps to move our technology forward. Planning and design works has begun on Eco Wave Power's next generation of 1MW to 5MW power plant by using larger units aiming to deliver around 10 times the capacity of Eco Wave Power's current units in Gibraltar and improving its efficiency.

"This progress is a clear example that given time and with the right governmental support, wave energy can progress along the innovation chain towards commercialisation."