Hosted at CorPower Ocean’s manufacturing and operations facilities, the visit highlighted the progress being made towards a commercial-scale wave energy industry in Portugal, with Viana do Castelo emerging as a key center for innovation, manufacturing, and future project deployment.
The program included discussions on Europe’s growing demand for competitive clean energy to power industry and data centers will be best satisfied in places where the lowest cost 24/7 clean power mix can be found. Here wave energy can play a strategic role in Iberia, by complementing solar and wind power to unlock some of the lowest cost of clean firm power supply in Europe.
Portugal possesses one of Europe’s largest wave energy resources and has the opportunity to develop an entirely new industrial sector built around the Atlantic Ocean.
Unlike solar and wind, wave energy produces electricity day and night and typically remains available when solar generation declines and wind conditions fluctuate. This makes wave energy a valuable complement to existing renewable energy sources and supports a more resilient, stable, and affordable energy system.
The development of a Portuguese wave energy industry can create long-term opportunities across manufacturing, engineering, ports, offshore operations, logistics, vessel services, digital technologies, and energy infrastructure.
As energy demand accelerates from industrial electrification, green fuels, and large-scale data centers, wave energy can help provide fully domestic renewable power while reducing dependence on imported energy and strengthening Portugal’s energy sovereignty.
The planned 15 MW VianaWave project, incorporating 45 commercial scale Wave Energy Converters, is expected to begin construction in 2028. It represents an important next step in demonstrating how commercial wave energy projects can contribute to Portugal’s renewable energy mix while creating jobs and attracting investment to coastal regions.
“Portugal has all the ingredients required to become a global leader in wave energy,” said Co-Founder and CEO of CorPower Ocean, Patrik Möller. “The country combines an exceptional wave resource with world-class maritime expertise, industrial capabilities and political ambition. We believe wave energy can become a new export industry for Portugal while helping deliver affordable, reliable and home-grown clean electricity to support economic growth, industrial competitiveness and energy security.”
Portugal has played a central role in CorPower Ocean’s journey from technology development to commercial readiness. Following successful demonstration of the first commercial scale machine in Portuguese waters and the establishment of manufacturing and testing capabilities in Viana do Castelo, the company is now focused on scaling towards utility-scale projects.
The next phase will see increasing investment in manufacturing capacity, supply chains, project deployment, and local partnerships, creating opportunities for Portuguese companies throughout the value chain.
For Portugal, wave energy represents more than a new renewable energy source. It is an opportunity to establish global leadership in a fast-growing clean technology sector while creating skilled jobs, attracting investment, and strengthening long-term energy security.
