The device has been developed by 40 South Energy. It will leave Livorno completely assembled to be tested offshore at Punta Righini before its final deployment off the coast of Elba. Once the tests have been completed, the device will be able to generate 220 gigawatt-hours of energy per year, enough to meet the electricity demand of more than 80 households.
The first phase of testing confirmed the device’s capability as well as its simplicity of installation. The second phase will aim to optimise the use of materials and operation.
“Up to now nobody has ever developed energy from the sea” said EGP CEO Francesco Starace. “We believe in this technology for several reasons: it’s safe, as maintenance can be carried out on the surface, it’s safe for navigation due to a scuttling system that avoids collisions with fishing ships and is made of perfectly ordinary materials.”
EGP believes it can be developed in Latin America and are also aiming to develop a 2MW version of the device. To this end, EGP and 40South Energy have further consolidated their partnership. The 2MW version will operate just like the model currently being tested while maintaining its essential characteristics.
The deployment of the R115 will mark EGP’s further expansion of its technological portfolio which currently includes hydropower, geothermal, solar, wind power and biomass.
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