The consortium between Biscay Marine Energy Platform (bimep) and IH Cantabria has launched TRL+ project that aims to advance the development of marine energy industry.
The TRL+ initiative, led by bimep, will seek projects that enhance technological and scientific solutions for marine renewable energies in deep and very deep waters, as well as market oriented approach supporting industrial needs, according to IH Cantabria.
Also, TRL+ aims to boost the competitiveness of Spanish companies involved in the various sectors that make up the value chain and the life cycle of offshore farms in deep waters, including wind and wave farms.
The news comes following the funding approval in the amount of €730 million for research and development from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness.
The funding in the amount of €586 million, co-financed by European Regional Development Fund, will be used for Collaboration Challenges 2016 call that seeks to promote public-private partnerships, the development of new technologies, encourage business innovation and contribute to the creation of new products and services.
The Ministry also approved additional €150 million for the scientific and technical aid, infrastructure and equipment, out of which €66 million has been designated for grants and €84 million for loans. The grants are aimed at public research organizations, public colleges and universities.
bimep is a research infrastructure located 1.7 km off Armintza, Spain, with a power generating capacity of 20 MW, dedicated for demonstrating the technical and economic viability of marine energy converters prior to their large-scale commercialisation.
IH Cantabria is a joint research institution between the University of Cantabria and the Environmental Hydraulics Institute Foundation focused on research, education, and technology transfer in the fields of offshore engineering and marine renewables, amongst other disciplines.