Spain Marine Power Systems has confirmed that Biscay Marine Energy Platform (BiMEP) has been selected for the deployment of a grid-connected commercial megawatt scale device.

The site in the Basque Country, northern Spain, offers ideal deep water testing conditions and a direct connection into the electricity grid. The berth has been secured and a geotechnical survey of the site is being undertaken.

Covering floating wind and wave energy generation technology, Marine Power Systems has a unique business proposition; they are the only company developing optimal solutions for the entire opportunity covering floating wind, wave and combined wind and wave energy extraction technology in deep water. All of the devices will be assembled and towed from port and they retain common deployment, anchoring and operation & maintenance solutions. This reduces the costs of ownership and maximises the energy generation cost effectiveness.

Selection of BiMEP

Marine Power Systems undertook a rigorous benchmarking exercise across all of the possible sites prior to selecting BiMEP. The Cantabrian Sea offers exceptional conditions for testing the effectiveness of new mechanisms and technologies for harnessing wind and wave energy. Operating since 2015, BiMEP offers a restricted area with all the necessary supporting infrastructure to support deployment and monitoring of different concept designs before advancing to the full commercial phase.

The scheme has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.