The Huelva Port Authority awards the UHU the Challenge to harness wind energy

Huelva, July 24th, 2026 - 

The Port of Huelva has awarded the University of Huelva (UHU) its recent open innovation challenge, launched through La Lonja de la Innovación. This initiative aims to promote sustainability and technological development applied to the port environment.

The origin of this Innovation Challenge dates back to the first edition of the Ideas Competition in 2024, aimed at Port of Huelva personnel. An initiative that was very well received and highlighted the high level of innovation and knowledge existing among the staff of the Port Authority of Huelva.

The main objective of this project, which the UHU is now taking on, is to prepare a technical engineering report to determine whether it is feasible to harness the wind generated by passing vehicles to produce electricity on the roads of the Port of Huelva.

Background on the Huelva Port Challenge

The Port of Huelva has a spatial configuration characterized by its linearity, exceeding 15 kilometers of distance between its ends. This arrangement implies the presence of straight stretches of road with intense vehicle traffic, especially trucks.

The constant circulation of these vehicles generates significant air movements near the tracks (medians and shoulders). This represents an opportunity to generate electricity based on these movements. To respond to this challenge, the technological solution that the University of Huelva will implement must meet the following requirements:

1. Road safety and clearance. In no case may the wind generation solution have elements that protrude from the post-type structure that would be installed, in order not to jeopardize the passage of vehicles, people, or animals.
2. Real-world measurements. The UHU will analyze the particular circumstances of the roads and study the wind conditions at three key points over a continuous period of six months. In addition, it must carry out a study of the energy that would be generated and its possible application by the APH.
3. Complete study. The study must address civil engineering, as well as mechanical, electrical, and control aspects, while also guaranteeing compliance with applicable regulations. It must include a proposal for the most suitable wind turbines for the data collected and the choice of the optimal one for the locations.
4. FIWARE digital integration. For its direct inclusion in the Port of Huelva's operating systems, the control and monitoring solution must be compatible with FIWARE technology and the NGSI communication standard.

With initiatives like this, La Lonja de la Innovación, together with the Port of Huelva, continues to promote actions that stimulate the entrepreneurial ecosystem and boost technological development in Huelva. In addition, the commitment to energy transition, open innovation, and the retention of local talent is reaffirmed. Discover everything we do on our website.