Harnessing Wave Energy Through Breakwater Integration: A Review of Technologies, Deployment Strategies, and Open-Access Database

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of Porto have conducted a comprehensive review of the potential of Wave Energy Converters (WECs) integrated into breakwaters as a promising approach to enhance coastal resilience while generating renewable electricity from waves. The study, funded by Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT), identified the Oscillating Water Column and the OverTopping Device as the two most suitable WEC concepts for breakwater integration. The researchers created a freely accessible, web-based open-access database containing essential information such as location, deployment year, and installed power, which can be used by academics and industry stakeholders involved in the development of WECs for breakwater integration.

Key Takeaways:

  • The growing impacts of climate change are driving the development of innovative solutions within the wave energy sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address key challenges such as sea level rise.
  • Integrating WECs into breakwaters can significantly reduce construction and maintenance costs, improve reliability, and enhance the protection of coastal infrastructure.
  • The Oscillating Water Column and the OverTopping Device are identified as the two most suitable WEC concepts for breakwater integration.
  • A web-based open-access database containing essential information such as location, deployment year, and installed power has been created to support ongoing research and innovation in the field.
  • The database offers a valuable resource for academics and industry stakeholders involved in the development of WECs for breakwater integration.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews journal.
  • The study's findings highlight the potential of WECs integrated into breakwaters to enhance coastal resilience while generating renewable electricity from waves.

Statistics:

  • The study identified 14 WEC prototypes and concepts for breakwater integration.
  • The Oscillating Water Column and the OverTopping Device were identified as the two most suitable WEC concepts for breakwater integration.
  • The web-based open-access database contains essential information on 12 WEC prototypes and concepts for breakwater integration.
  • The research concluded that integrating WECs into breakwaters can significantly reduce construction and maintenance costs, improve reliability, and enhance the protection of coastal infrastructure.

Sources:

  • Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT)
  • University of Porto, Faculty of Engineering, Dept Civil Engn & Georresources
  • Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews journal (Elsevier)
  • "Harnessing Wave Energy Through Breakwater Integration: a Review of Technologies, Deployment Strategies and an Open-access Database" (Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2025;223)