The sea, with its perpetual motion and its vastness, has always represented an inexhaustible source of wonder and challenges for man. Today it could also become the key to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future: we often talk about attempts around wave energy (for example here, or here). The next step in this chase is about to take place on the coasts of the Basque Country, Spain, where CETO, the most advanced wave energy converter in the world, has just received the green light for installation.
Submerged technology, emerging potential
CETO is not your average marine energy converter. Unlike other systems that operate on the surface, this device works completely underwater, several meters deep. A design choice that makes it invisible from the shore, and above all capable of integrating perfectly with the surrounding marine ecosystem. Modularity and scalability are the strengths of CETO. Thanks to its ability to operate at different depths and on different types of seabed, this system has the potential to bring renewable energy to many coastal areas of the world, significantly contributing to the transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
The heart of CETO is an underwater buoy which, following the movement of the waves, activates an electrical generation system. The wave energy is then transferred to the ground via dynamic cables, providing clean, renewable electricity to the grid. An operating principle that could make the fortune of many coastal locations, and beyond.
An important milestone for wave energy
The approval of the CETO project in Spain by EuropeWave, a research and development program dedicated to wave energy converters, marks a pivotal moment for this promising technology. The Authorization to Proceed (ATP) obtained by CETO Wave Energy Ireland paves the way, as mentioned, for the construction of the first CETO systems off the Basque coast. A concrete step towards the realization of a dream long pursued.
To obtain the ATP, the CETO team had to demonstrate the solidity of their project in every aspect, from technical feasibility to economic sustainability, including safety and compliance with current regulations. It's not a joke: it's a complex challenge, which CETO engineers and researchers have faced with determination and competence, earning the trust of EuropeWave experts.
A mythological name for a futuristic technology
The name CETO, inspired by an ancient Greek deity of the sea, brings with it an aura of power and mystery. But this wave energy converter isn't just a tribute to mythology: it's cutting-edge technology, the result of decades of research, designed to adapt to different marine conditions and to provide clean energy on a large scale.
Wave energy: the beginning of a new era
With the approval of CETO in Spain, a new chapter opens in the history of marine renewable energy. The European target has already been outlined: 100MW of wave energy by 2027, 1GW by 2030. And it is important to know that these targets could be achieved in an efficient and sustainable way, without negatively impacting the environment or coastal landscape.
I look forward to the next steps. Currently, the CETO Wave Energy Ireland team is preparing to move into the procurement and manufacturing phase. I will keep you informed on the entire trajectory of the project.
