Portugal leads the way in wave energy

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

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...