Success for Magallanes at EMEC through Horizon2020 projects
02.03.2020
Tidal energy developer Magallanes Renovables, have been successfully testing their second generation, 2MW tidal platform ‘ATIR’ at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), since 2018, as part of the Ocean_2G project.
The aim of the project was to test, validate and pre-certify Magallanes’ device and this was successfully achieved through a structured programme of testing, which resulted in the ATIR generating electricity into the UK national grid for the first time in 2019. This has allowed Magallanes to demonstrate the operational performance of their device and brings them closer to readying the technology for market.
Ocean_2G was funded by the Fast Track to Innovation pilot scheme, part of the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. The project was led by SAGRES – Magallanes Renovables’ parent company – the Ocean_2G project consortium brought together EMEC, Leask Marine and electrical specialist IM FutuRe.
Due to the progress, outputs and successful completion of the Ocean_2G project, Magallanes have secured further support from the Horizon2020 funded MaRINET2 programme, which will allow them to extend their period of testing at EMEC. Magallanes will continue to harness energy from our oceans to generate electricity and gain greater knowledge and experience, which will progress them further towards commercialisation of their tidal technology.
Neil Kermode, EMEC managing director, said: “We are delighted with the progress that Magallanes are making and we look forward to ongoing collaboration to develop and demonstrate their pioneering tidal technology here at EMEC, thanks to the continued EU funding support that they have received.
“Tidal energy provides a clean, renewable, predictable energy source which has enormous potential. Magallanes are playing a key role in the tidal sector and their achievements and impact to the economy in both Scotland and Spain should be commended.”
Alejandro Marques de Magallanes, CEO, Magallanes Renovables, explained: “Each day in the Ocean_2G project we learned something new and thanks to the support of the European Commission, EMEC, Leask Marine and IM Future, we are closer to having a robust, reliable and efficient tidal technology. The Ocean_2G project has allowed us to be a better company, mature the technology and most importantly to demonstrate that we can and are producing blue, renewable, predictive and competitive energy thanks to our unique technology.”
Orkney based Leask Marine were a key partner in the Ocean_2G project and led the successful installation of the ATIR at the Fall of Warness and delivered ongoing maintenance of the platform. Additionally, they were responsible for naval architectural services for mooring designs and subsea cable management systems, commercial diving operations, engineering and fabrication services.
Douglas Leask, managing director of Leask Marine, oversaw the operations, said: “The Leask Marine team have been delighted to work in collaboration with many of Europe’s technical companies in the Ocean_2G project and to be working closely with the consortium lead partner Magallanes Renovables. The project has benefited the local economy and has helped local companies be at the cutting edge of global marine renewable projects. The project has utilised the full range of Leask Marine resources of vessel charter, commercial diving, naval architecture, design engineering, and manufacturing and fabrication.”