The Basque technology firm IDOM has started testing a new air turbine design at the Mutriku wave power plant, which is part of the EuropeWave project. EuropeWave is a EU-backed initiative aimed at advancing wave energy technology, particularly in challenging offshore environments. The plant, operated by the Biscay Marine Energy Platform (BiMEP), has already generated over 3.2 GWh of marine renewable energy since its operation. The project combines a pre-commercial procurement (PCP) approach with the IEA’s stage-gate process to maximize public funding and accelerate technology development.

Led by Wave Energy Scotland (WES) and the Basque Energy Agency, EuropeWave includes nearly €20 million in funding to support the sector. The Mutriku plant, integrated into the harbour breakwater, features 16 air chambers, each measuring 4.5 meters wide, 3.1 meters deep, and 10 meters high above the Lowest Astronomical Tide. Each chamber includes a 0.75-meter diameter orifice connected to a Wells turbine and an 18.5 kW generator, providing a total installed capacity of 296 kW.

In December 2024, IDOM revealed plans to deploy its wave energy prototype offshore at BiMEP during summer 2025 as part of Phase 3 of the EuropeWave project. The company aims to push the boundaries of wave energy technology with its innovative designs.