DCNS and Enel Green Power (EGP) are to set up a new research and development centre in Chile that will focus on the global marine energy sector.
The firms were selected by the Chilean government’s economic development organization CORFO (Corporación de Fomento de la Producción) to set up the Marine Energy Research and Innovation Centre (MERIC), which is supported by approximately US$20 million in funding.
The centre is expected to gather researchers to support work related to marine resource assessment, site characterization, bio-fouling, bio-corrosion, environmental and social impact, and technology adaptation to extreme ocean conditions. Over the next eight years, experts will also begin developing tools to test and adapt MRE technologies to the country’s unique natural conditions (seismic activity, rugged coastline, a particularly rich and diverse array of marine flora and fauna). MERIC will implement an innovative, integrated approach to R&D in the sector, which includes the installation of an experimental wave energy converter to serve as a "validation test bench" allowing comparison of theoretical results with real world data.
From 2019 onwards, MERIC is expected to have a consolidated infrastructure and experience that would allow it to provide services to local and international industry who wish to test MRE technologies in Chile’s marine environment.
"We are proud to have been chosen to develop this Centre of Excellence in Chile," commented Thierry Kalanquin, Senior Vice President Energies & Marine Infrastructure at DCNS. "The country has tremendous potential and can become the global laboratory for Marine Energy on Pacific coast. The creation of MERIC answers that objective and we have the ambition to turn it into an international centre for adaptation and qualification of Marine Energy technologies."
“We are very pleased to be part of this venture alongside the Chilean government as well as our industrial partner DCNS" added Salvatore Bernabei, General Manager for Chile and Andean Region at Enel Green Power, "Marine energy is one of the most important frontiers in the renewable sector and innovation is key to unlock potential of this renewable energy source. MERIC, thanks to the support of all its Chilean partners, will revolutionize the way we produce energy from the oceans in Chile and at global level".
In addition to the involvement of EGP and DCNS, MERIC will be supported by the resources and substantial expertise of the Chilean development organization Fundación Chile, the R&D foundation INRIA Chile, research institutions Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, and Universidad Austral de Chile, as well as Enel Group’s subsidiaries Chilectra and Endesa Chile.
