Report of side programme WindEurope Bilbao
A group of Blue Cluster and Agoria Energy Technology Club members and partners visited several companies and knowledge institutions in the Bilbao region on 4 April, led by Ann Overmeire and Pieter-Jan Provoost.
The group consisted of 18 participants from 11 organisations: Cathie Associates, C-Cube International, e-BO Enterprises, Jan De Nul, LRQA, Seal for Life, Sirris, Smulders, Tractebel Engineering, the von Karman Institute and Zingametall.
Morning
Our first stop was Tecnalia. This research institute has no less than 1,500 scientists conducting research into the design and testing of offshore systems, smart manufacturing, digitisation of R&D, use of materials and circularity. Among other things, they developed the technology behind the Oceantec wave energy converter and the Nautilus floating offshore wind platform.
We then headed to the port of Bilbao to see Tecnalia’s new floating test platform called Harshlab 2.0. This advanced laboratory is used to test materials, components and machines in a real offshore environment.
Afterwards, we were given some explanation by the port authority about local companies starting activities in the field of offshore renewable energy. These include Siemens Gamesa, Haizea Wind and Siatec.
Afternoon
After lunch, we visited Haizea Wind, a company that constructs towers and pile foundations for offshore wind turbines. The production process ranges from steel plate to finished and painted components.
After a brief safety training and being provided with the necessary personal protective equipment, we were led through the impressive halls full of immense steel components in 2 groups.
Finally, a visit to Saitec was also on the programme. This company is currently building a proto type of a floating wind platform in the port, based on the principle of a catamaran.
The construction is made from concrete. All parts of the mooring, including from the Belgian company Bexco, are ready on the quay to be installed in the coming weeks at the BiMEP test site a little further away.
In the summer, the floating wind platform, including the 2 GW Vestas turbine, will be towed to the test site for a 2-year test. In the process, the turbine will already be supplying electricity to the mainland.
WindEurope and Iberdrola
After this inspirational first day, everyone was ready for the start of the WindEurope Annual Event, which took place from 5 to 7 April.
On 6 April, we visited the headquarters of Iberdola. This company is a leading multinational in clean energy and a pioneer in the deployment of smart grids.
ELBE Plus
This side programme is linked to the ELBE Plus project, aimed at helping position Europe as a global technological and industrial leader in blue energy. The project also pays special attention to SMEs.
In particular, we would like to thank Ander González Hernández and Marcos Suárez García from the Basque Energy Cluster for their cooperation in putting together an exciting side programme.
