The EDP Art Reef is Portugal’s first underwater art exhibition, located approximately one mile off the coast of Albufeira, submerged at a depth of around 12 meters.
This innovative project is a collaboration between Portuguese street artist Vhils (Alexandre Farto) and the energy company EDP, transforming decommissioned power plant materials into a unique fusion of art and marine conservation.
🎨 Art Meets the Ocean
Comprising 13 sculptures made from decontaminated iron and concrete sourced from former EDP coal-fired power stations in Sines, Carregado, and Soto de Ribera (Spain), the installation spans an area of 1,250 square meters.
Each piece reflects themes such as humanity’s relationship with the sea, environmental impact, and the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Notable works include:
- Periscópio: Featuring faces oriented toward Europe, Africa, and America, symbolizing global interconnectedness.
- Pegada: A sculpture highlighting the rising sea levels and their implications.
- Equilíbrio: Designed to foster marine life, incorporating live corals to accelerate ecosystem development.
Over time, these sculptures are intended to evolve into a thriving artificial reef, attracting marine species such as octopuses, crabs, urchins, and various fish, thereby enhancing local biodiversity.
🤿 Visiting the EDP Art Reef
Access to the EDP Art Reef is exclusively available to certified divers accompanied by specialized operators.
Several local dive centers offer guided tours, including:
- Easydivers
- Indigo Divers
- Algarve Charters
- Dreamwave
These tours provide necessary equipment, insurance, and expert guidance to ensure a safe and enriching experience.
🌊 A Symbol of Sustainability
The EDP Art Reef stands as a testament to sustainable innovation, repurposing industrial remnants into a habitat that supports marine life and raises environmental awareness.
It exemplifies how art can inspire ecological consciousness and contribute to ocean conservation efforts.
For a visual overview of the EDP Art Reef, you can watch the following video (in Portuguese):
