Within the context of the energy transition and the promotion of sustainable solutions to enable renewable electricity generation in the marine environment, the ECOFOSS project stands out as a key advancement in the research and development of high-voltage floating infrastructures. The project aims to design and test at scale a zero-emission high-voltage floating offshore electrical substation, suitable for transmitting large electrical generation capacities (between 400 and 500 MW) at voltage levels of 220 kV.
In addition to its impact on the integration of clean energy into the electrical system, ECOFOSS incorporates innovations aimed at marine regeneration and biodiversity, facilitating the colonisation of organisms on its structure and promoting the conservation of the marine ecosystem.
Red Eléctrica, as the transmission system operator of the Spanish electricity system, plays a fundamental role in ECOFOSS. The company’s experience in the design, construction and maintenance of the transmission grid provides the technical know-how for the development of the offshore grid. With respect to design, it collaborates in the configuration of the substation, the selection of high voltage equipment such as GIS, transformers, and reactors, and the integration of dynamic export cables.
In terms of maintenance, Red Eléctrica researches solutions for operation under floating conditions, the development of predictive maintenance strategies, monitoring systems, and automation of maintenance activities. Furthermore, efforts are being made within the project to characterise the marine ecosystem in the areas of the Plan de Ordenación del Espacio Marítimo (Maritime Spatial Planning (POEM)), identifying potential impacts and defining preventive and corrective measures in order to minimise the infrastructure's environmental footprint.
The project is part of the INNCODIS flagship project, project number PNA-020100-2023-30, PP02, an initiative financed through the PERTE NAVAL Call launched by the Ministry of Industry and Tourism and part of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan (PRTR). It is funded by the European Union - Next Generation EU. It also brings together multiple stakeholders who contribute from their own fields of expertise.
Red Eléctrica participates in this project led by Navantia Seanergies, alongside other partners such as Sener, Uptech Sensing, Ditrel, and Ocean Ecostructures, the latter of which was also selected for Elewit’s 5th Venture Client programme. This bluetech startup, with which Redeia is collaborating on several projects, contributes its experience in marine regeneration to maximise the positive impact of submarine electrical infrastructures on biodiversity.
By combining advanced technology, operational efficiency, and a commitment to marine conservation, this initiative lays the groundwork for a more resilient offshore infrastructure that respects the ecosystem. Collaboration between the different companies strengthens their commitment to innovation and sustainability, driving a cleaner, more efficient energy future.