The RISEnergy international network, a strategic initiative by the European Commission, is designed to accelerate the development of sustainable energy technologies. In support of this goal, RISEnergy offers free access to advanced facilities for professionals, researchers and companies specialising in renewable energy. The MCTS marine laboratoryy ‘El Bocal’, jointly managed by the CTC Technology Centre and the Spanish Institute of Oceanography, is among the 87 distinguished European facilities comprising this esteemed network.
The recent launch of the first call for applications targets projects that introduce innovative solutions aimed at enhancing energy systems and reducing the life-cycle costs of renewable energy technologies. Among the facilities participating, only 10 laboratories in Spain are included in this prestigious network of testing sites.
Uniquely positioned on the coast of the Cantabrian Sea, the El Bocal laboratory is a one-of-a-kind facility on the continent. The direct exposure of samples to marine challenges—such as salinity, humidity, corrosion or biofouling—establishes this site as an ideal laboratory for testing materials subjected to the harsh conditions of the sea. Equipped with modular racks, the facility accommodates testing samples in various sizes and geometries.
Additionally, access to El Bocal enables researchers and companies to evaluate innovative materials and develop anti-corrosion coatings to extend the lifespan of marine structures, a critical factor in the sustainability of offshore renewable energy sources.
Applications must be submitted through the official RISEnergy project website. Places are limited. The call for applications will remain open until Saturday, 30 November. This presents a unique opportunity to use one of the most advanced marine corrosion testing facilities available and contribute to advancing renewable energy technologies.
RISEnergy Project
RISEnergy is a European initiative launched in 2024 to accelerate innovation in the renewable energy sector. Spearheaded by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the project unites 69 institutions, encompassing universities and industrial partners across 22 countries. The CTC Technology Centre is participating as an affiliate of the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA), which holds full membership and serves as the cornerstone of the project.
RISEnergy covers all areas of renewable energy, including solar energy (both photovoltaic and concentrated solar power), hydrogen, biofuels, wind and marine energy and energy storage solutions. In this respect, the Cantabrian laboratory is highly recommended for projects focused on ocean energy.
