The Biscay Marine Energy Platform (BiMEP) has incorporated the MARMOK-A5 wave energy converter, developed by the Basque engineering firm IDOM, to advance the validation of marine energy technologies under real operating conditions off the coast of Biscay.
The deployment reinforces BiMEP’s role as one of the leading European infrastructures dedicated to testing wave energy technologies and offshore renewable systems.
A wave energy converter oriented toward technological validation
The MARMOK-A5 utilizes oscillating water column technology to transform wave motion into electricity via an integrated turbine. The device also incorporates controllable blades, onboard batteries, and intelligent operating systems designed to optimize offshore energy generation.
Furthermore, the prototype will undergo an evaluation campaign focused on measuring parameters such as energy efficiency, structural robustness, operational reliability, and ease of maintenance in a marine environment.
The initiative is part of the European EuropeWave program, which focuses on accelerating the development of wave energy technologies with commercial potential.
BiMEP consolidates its role as a European testbed
The BiMEP infrastructure features an open-sea testing area located in Lemoiz and a wave power plant in Mutriku intended for preliminary testing prior to offshore operations. Both facilities are geared toward manufacturers and developers of marine renewable generation systems.
The project also features a grid connection through the HarshLab platform integrated into BiMEP. This system will make it possible to export the energy generated and monitor the converter’s performance throughout the testing campaign.
According to information from the technology center itself, an earlier version of the MARMOK was evaluated at these facilities between 2016 and 2019, becoming the first device of its kind to be tested in Spain. The new configuration incorporates improvements focused on increasing energy performance and advancing toward future pre-commercial stages.
Marine energy and energy transition in the Basque Country
BiMEP is a public initiative owned by the Basque Energy Agency (EVE), with a 75% stake, and the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE), which holds the remaining 25%.
Over the coming months, the data collected will allow for the validation of the system’s behavior in real ocean conditions and provide key information for future commercial applications of wave energy.
Additionally, the deployment aligns with the Basque strategy for energy transition and industrial decarbonization, reinforcing the Basque Country’s position as a European hub for innovation in clean marine energies.
Source and photo: BiMEP