The testing phase, which began following the commissioning, aims to evaluate the PTO system’s performance, reliability, and efficiency under real-sea conditions. According to EuropeWave, the results will help refine the technology and reduce risks ahead of its planned offshore deployment. EuropeWave stated: “Over the next 6 weeks, this air turbine will undergo a thorough testing campaign to ensure it’s ready for their open-sea deployment.”
After completing onshore testing, the PTO system will be integrated into the MARMOK-A-5 wave energy converter (WEC), a full-scale floating platform designed for offshore wave energy production. The MARMOK-A-5, operating as a point absorber using an oscillating water column (OWC) mechanism, is scheduled for deployment at the Biscay Marine Energy Platform (BiMEP) off Spain’s north coast later this summer.
The MARMOK-A-5 prototype has a history of testing, with initial offshore trials conducted at BiMEP in 2016. A refitted version underwent further open-sea testing in the Bay of Biscay in 2018 as part of the EU-funded OPERA wave energy project. In 2022, IDOM completed tank testing for the device, and in December 2024, the company reported progress toward its next offshore deployment as part of Phase 3 of the EuropeWave project.
This development marks a significant step in harnessing wave energy as a reliable renewable energy source. The ongoing tests at Mutriku and the upcoming deployment at BiMEP will provide critical data to enhance the technology’s commercial viability. IDOM’s efforts, supported by EuropeWave, demonstrate a commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions through innovative engineering and rigorous testing.
