Wave Energy Pilot Zone

Last updated: 24 August 2021
Decree Law No. 5/2008 establishes a Pilot Zone for the installation of demonstration, pre-commercial and commercial wave energy devices with rated capacity up to 80 MW (distribution grid) plus 170 MW (transportation grid), totalling 250 MW. The zone is located approximately 120 km north of Lisbon, off São Pedro de Muel. The zone covers approximately 320 km2 at water depths between 30m and 90m. The decree includes regulations framing licensing and concession arrangements. The legislation’s primary aim is to facilitate licensing, given that the exploitation of wave energy harnessing locations requires a State authorisation. The framework set out in this decree-law applies to wave energy harnessing projects that have already been authorised to use the public maritime domain on the date it comes into force. The projects susceptible of being integrated in the pilot area may move to this area and be governed by the provisions of this decree-law, subject to their developers submitting the necessary application within one year of the management authority being set up and it accepting these projects.

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