Enel Green Power and 40South Energy yesterday began the installation and commissioning of a first R115 generator, with a nominal capacity of 150 kW and installed capacity of about 100 kW, generating electricity from the energy produced by the waves of the sea around the Tuscan islands, at Punta Righini (Castiglioncello).
The new generator – designed and built by 40South Energy – ensures full integration into the marine environment and ease of maintenance, and according to initial estimates will enable the generation of about 220 MWh per year, enough to meet the needs of over 80 households.
The generation of marine energy is an especially effective solution in cases where it is difficult to connect to the electricity distribution grid, as is the case, for example, of islands.
40South Energy Srl, the Italian division of 40South Energy, will handle the installation and commissioning of the machine, whose submarine assembly will be completed in the coming weeks. The company, based in Pisa, will also provide ordinary and extraordinary maintenance services.
After testing and assessment by the partners of the performance of the system in the marine environment, Enel Green Power plans to strengthen collaboration with 40South Energy on the international stage.
In fact, in addition to the sale of the first R115 generator to the Enel renewables company and technological cooperation on testing, the agreement envisages the possibility of installing more generators in different marine environments.
The installation of this first device to exploit wave motion to generate electricity increases the already broad spectrum of technologies available to Enel Green Power – hydro, solar, wind, geothermal and biomass – a feature that, together with geographical diversification, makes Enel Green Power unique at the global level.
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Press release, June 20, 2013; Image: 40South Energy