OCEAN_2G · Project

Full-Scale Floating Tidal Energy Platform Ready for Commercial Deployment

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Imagine a giant floating platform anchored in the ocean where tidal currents are strong — like an underwater wind farm, but powered by predictable tides instead of unpredictable wind. The team behind OCEAN_2G built and tested a full-size 2 MW version of this machine, first in calm waters in Spain, then in real ocean conditions off Scotland. The goal was to prove it works well enough to start manufacturing and selling these platforms worldwide.

By the numbers

2 MW

Rated power capacity of the floating tidal energy platform

2,200 TWh/year

Potential global marine energy extraction capacity

13%

Share of global energy marine technology could provide

1:10

Scale of the earlier prototype model tested in open water

Total project deliverables completed

The business problem

What needed solving

Tidal energy is one of the most predictable renewable sources available, yet almost no commercial-scale devices exist because moving from small prototypes to full-size ocean-ready machines is enormously expensive and risky. Companies that want to tap into tidal resources have very few proven, full-scale platforms to choose from. OCEAN_2G tackled exactly this gap — taking a proven scale model to a market-ready 2 MW floating platform.

The solution

What was built

A full-scale 2 MW floating tidal energy converter platform, validated through controlled environment testing at Vigo estuary in Spain with pre-certification support from EMEC. The project delivered 5 outputs including documented test results with performance optimization for real-world deployment.

Audience

Who needs this

Tidal and marine energy project developers looking for proven full-scale technologyCoastal utilities wanting predictable renewable generation to complement wind and solarShipyards and marine fabrication companies seeking new product linesGovernment agencies planning marine renewable energy zonesOffshore wind developers diversifying into tidal energy

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Offshore energy development

mid-size

Target: Tidal and marine energy project developers

If you are a marine energy developer struggling to find proven tidal technology that actually works at full scale — this project validated a 2 MW floating tidal energy converter tested in both controlled and real ocean conditions. The platform went from a 1:10 scale model to a full-size prototype with pre-certification through EMEC, Europe's reference centre for tidal energy. This means you could license or partner to deploy a commercially validated system rather than starting from scratch.

Coastal utilities and grid operators

enterprise

Target: Energy utilities in regions with strong tidal resources

If you are a utility company looking to diversify your renewable portfolio with predictable generation — tidal energy delivers power on a schedule, unlike wind or solar. OCEAN_2G demonstrated a 2 MW floating platform that can be deployed in tidal channels without permanent seabed structures. Marine energy could provide up to 2,200 TWh per year globally, and this technology is one of the first to reach full-scale validation.

Marine engineering and shipbuilding

any

Target: Shipyards and offshore fabrication companies

If you are a shipyard or marine fabrication company looking for new revenue streams as oil and gas investment shifts — floating tidal platforms need the exact manufacturing capabilities you already have. The OCEAN_2G consortium included 4 industrial partners across 3 countries building a 2 MW platform, proving the supply chain works. Getting into tidal energy manufacturing now positions you for a growing market before it gets crowded.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would it cost to deploy one of these tidal platforms?

The project data does not include specific cost figures or pricing information. As an Innovation Action under Fast Track to Innovation, the focus was on validating the 2 MW platform for industrialization rather than publishing unit economics. You would need to contact the consortium for commercial pricing.

Can this scale beyond a single platform?

The entire project was designed with industrialization in mind — the objective explicitly states 'pre-certify for its later industrialization stage.' The consortium tested with EMEC (European Marine Energy Centre) specifically to enable series production. The platform design is meant to be manufactured and deployed in arrays across tidal sites.

Who owns the intellectual property and can I license it?

Magallanes Renovables SL coordinated the project and designed the original platform, starting from a 1:10 scale model they had already tested in open water. IP arrangements would be governed by the consortium agreement among the 5 partners. Contact the coordinator for licensing discussions.

Has this been tested in real ocean conditions or just in the lab?

The full-scale 2 MW prototype was tested at Vigo estuary in Spain as a controlled environment. The project also planned real-condition testing in Scotland with EMEC involvement. The deliverable confirms controlled environment testing was completed with optimization for real-world deployment.

How does tidal energy compare to wind or solar for my portfolio?

The key advantage is predictability — tides follow a known schedule, unlike wind and solar. The project objective notes that marine energy could provide up to 13% of global energy by extracting 2,200 TWh per year. A 2 MW tidal platform delivers baseload-like renewable generation.

What is the current status of this technology?

The project closed in November 2019 after completing prototype testing and pre-certification activities. Magallanes Renovables continues to develop and commercialize the technology. The platform went through full-scale validation, which is the last major step before commercial deployment.

Consortium

Who built it

This is a lean, industry-driven consortium of 5 partners across Spain, France, and the UK — with 80% industry participation and 4 out of 5 partners being SMEs. There are zero universities or research institutes, which is unusual and signals this is firmly an engineering and commercialization effort, not academic research. The coordinator Magallanes Renovables (Spain) is the technology owner, while EMEC in Scotland brings the world's leading tidal test site and certification expertise. The UK-France-Spain spread covers the three strongest tidal energy markets in Europe. For a business partner, this consortium structure means the technology is being pushed by companies with commercial skin in the game, not by researchers writing papers.

SAGRES SLCoordinator · ES
LEASK MARINE LIMITEDparticipant · UK
THE EUROPEAN MARINE ENERGY CENTRE LIMITEDparticipant · UK

How to reach the team

Magallanes Renovables SL (SAGRES SL) is based in Spain and continues to develop tidal energy platforms commercially.

Order a report on this consortium See SAGRES SL profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want an introduction to the OCEAN_2G team? SciTransfer can connect you with the right person at Magallanes Renovables to discuss licensing, partnership, or deployment opportunities.

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