en.Wedoany.com Reported - IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture S.A.U has successfully deployed its improved MARMOK-A-5 prototype wave energy converter at the Biscay Marine Energy Platform (BiMEP) off the coast of Bilbao. The device is a point absorber based on the oscillating water column (OWC) principle, featuring a buoy that houses a cylindrical water column. The reciprocating airflow generated by wave excitation drives an air turbine power take-off system to produce electricity.
MARMOK-A-5 is one of three wave energy projects in the final phase of the EuropeWave Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) program and is the first wave energy converter to achieve electrical grid connection via the HarshLab buoy deployed at the BiMEP test site. The device is equipped with a new power take-off (PTO) system developed by IDOM, with its improved design focused on enhancing overall power generation performance. During operation, the internal water column moves relative to the buoy, compressing and expanding the air chamber at the top. The resulting reciprocating airflow is converted into electricity by the air turbine and transmitted to shore via submarine cables.
Borja de Miguel, IDOM Project Manager, stated that this deployment validates years of design, engineering, and learning, and marks the beginning of the offshore commissioning phase, during which the team will demonstrate the improved performance of MARMOK A-5 in real sea conditions. Achieving safe installation and grid connection at BiMEP is a key step in bringing wave energy closer to commercial reality.
With the device installed and grid-connected, IDOM has launched an offshore commissioning plan to bring the device into full operational service. Over the coming weeks, the team will verify the newly commissioned PTO system, gradually increase operational levels, and pursue better performance in real sea conditions. Data collected during deployment will be used to demonstrate performance against the metrics agreed under EuropeWave and to inform the next phase of technology development, helping to accelerate wave energy toward pre-commercial projects and commercial deployment.
Rémi Gruet, CEO of Ocean Energy Europe (OEE), stated that this is the first EuropeWave-funded project to be deployed, showcasing progress in wave energy innovation and highlighting the success of the pre-commercial procurement approach in accelerating technology development and fostering cross-sector collaboration.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
