Blue-GIFT has opened a third call for applications to test marine renewable energy (MRE) technologies at the project’s test sites.
The call will close on the 2nd of April 2021 and applications can benefit from an early assessment if the technology is ready for deployment before end September 2021.
Funded by Interreg Atlantic Area, Blue-GIFT aims to help technology developers test their MRE devices in four test sites in the Atlantic Area region.
These will be BiMEP in the Basque Country, Spain, PLOCAN in Canary Island, Spain, SEENEOH in Bordeaux, France and WavEC in Aguçadoura, Portugal.
This access will allow developers to perform low cost tests and validation of their technologies in real sea environments.
The types of technologies included in this call are renewable energy sources such as floating offshore wind, wave energy and tidal energy and for the first time floating solar technology
PLOCAN research and development programme manager Silvia Hildebrandt said: “Projects like Blue-GIFT are an excellent opportunity for MRE developers to successfully overcome the demonstration phase of their technologies on their way to commercialisation.
“At PLOCAN we are proud to be part of this initiative that boosts the blue economy and the energy transition in the Atlantic Area.”
EMEC project manager Danielle Moodie added: “Creating opportunities for more accessible and cost effective real-sea testing is critical to achieving commercialisation of marine renewable technologies and ensuring a sustainable low-carbon energy mix in the future.
“EMEC is delighted to be working with partners in the Atlantic Area to build on the successful approach of FORESEA and achieve more demonstration projects in the region.
“We would encourage any interested technology developers to apply to this call to gain subsidised access to the test sites, along with support from the project consortium.”