The marine power device R115, which will convert into electricity energy produced from waves, was launched in Pisa this week, another example of EGP focusing on innovation and cutting-edge technology.
On Wednesday Pisa Marina saluted the launch of the R115, an innovative marine power device which converts wave energy into electricity. This new development means that Enel Green Power is bringing energy to shore from the sea.
The R115, which has an installed capacity of 100 kilowatts, will use waves from the sea around Punta Righini in Italy’s Tuscan Archipelago. It will produce about 220 megawatt-hours per year, enough to meet the demand of around 80 households. ‘This is the first step of what I believe will be a much longer adventure,’ said EGP’s CEO Francesco Starace at the launch.
The new generator was designed so as to fully exploit the possibilities offered by the Mediterranean basin: in fact, it can also be used in areas whose waves have a low energy intensity or where sea beds are not particularly deep, such as the Italian coast or the Mediterranean in general.
Considering the hours-equivalent and the efficiency of these machines, the total production that can be achieved by the R115 amounts to about 60 gigawatt-hour per square kilometre. Therefore, in economic terms, this machine can compete with other renewable technology, thanks also to its low operational and maintenance costs.
40South Energy Srl, the Italian subsidiary of 40South Energy, will be installing and putting the machine online, and its underwater assemblage will be completed within the next few weeks. After a test period EGP plans to strengthen collaboration with 40South Energy on the international stage.
EGP is confirming its commitment to innovation, and by including this new technology in its portfolio it is expanding the already wide range of technology that it uses.