The cadence of ocean waves can generate electricity, and Brazil’s first wave plant should be installed early next year off the coast of the state of Ceará.
The pilot project, which is being developed by researchers at the Coordination of Post-Graduate Engineering Programs (Coppe) of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), will produce 50 kilowatts of energy, enough to supply 200 homes.
The idea is the child of UFRJ professor Segen Farid Estefen, and it began to become a reality when the oceanic tank was inaugurated.
The tank was projected by the Coppe and simulates ocean conditions and the phenomena that occur as far as two thousand meters.below the surface.
“The tank generates waves, and my research uses these waves to generate energy. The same kind of research is being developed in other countries, and the results that have been obtained are promising for this clean energy alternative,” Farid added.
According to Farid, the coast of Ceará was chosen as the site of the wave plant pilot project, because the waves along that coast are quite uniform, which is conducive to the generation of electricity.
The scientist explained that US$ 1.04 million (3 million reais) will be required to install and monitor the plant for a year.
The wave plant project was presented today at a roundtable to discuss renewable energy sources on the second day of the X Brazilian Energy Congress, in Rio de Janeiro.
Around 500 researchers and specialists from Brazil and various other countries are attending the event, which runs through October 28.
Agência Brasil
Translator: David Silberstein