What are PLEMCAT FACILITIES all about?
- Offering offshore and onshore infrastructure to support testing from early-stage research to pre-commercial validation.
- Combining floating berths grid connection monitoring systems and telemetry in a real Mediterranean environment.
- Supporting the validation of structures moorings electrical systems and digital solutions across key testing stages.
- Providing laboratories logistics O&M coordination and training facilities for deployment and operational readiness.
PlemCat is expected to provide a comprehensive suite of offshore and onshore infrastructure designed to support the full testing cycle from early-stage research (TRL 4) through to pre-commercial validation (TRL 8). Developers, manufacturers and research institutions may be able to gain access to a ready-made operational environment, eliminating the need to establish independent infrastructure.
Offshore infrastructure
A one-of-a-kind offshore platform is being developed to test and validate next-generation energy technologies at scale. It is planned to feature up to three floating berths for prototypes above 15 MW, a dedicated 66 kV grid connection, and advanced real-time data and environmental monitoring systems. Located in a high wind resource area and having obtained a favourable Environmental Impact Statement, the site is intended to enable reliable, full-scale experimentation under real operating conditions.
Onshore infrastructure
A comprehensive onshore ecosystem is planned to support testing, operations and deployment. It is expected to include advanced laboratories for materials and components, a data and digital twin centre, and a dedicated hub for operations and maintenance coordination. Complemented by port access, safety and operational frameworks, and training facilities, it is intended to ensure efficient execution, knowledge transfer and long-term scalability of energy solutions.
Testing capabilities
From pre-commercial testing to full-scale offshore demonstration, the site accommodates next-generation floating offshore wind prototypes under real Mediterranean conditions. Developers can validate performance, reliability and operational readiness at scale, whilst assessing new design solutions, integration strategies and maintenance approaches in a fully authorised and operational environment.
Floating structure testing
TRL range
4-8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Full-scale prototype deployment, monitoring and performance validation.
Mooring and anchoring
TRL range
4-8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Design verification, load testing and long-term monitoring of mooring systems.
Electrical systems
TRL range
4-8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
66 kV grid connection, power quality and grid integration testing.
Environmental monitoring
TRL range
3-7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Baseline surveys, impact monitoring and regulatory compliance data collection.
Operations and Maintenance (O&M)
TRL range
4-8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Protocol development, vessel access testing, remote monitoring validation.
Digital systems
TRL range
3-7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Sensor integration, digital twin development and predictive maintenance algorithms.
Component testing
TRL range
3-6
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Subsystem validation in onshore laboratories prior to offshore deployment.
Prototypes
From pre-commercial testing to full-scale offshore demonstration, the site accommodates next-generation floating offshore wind prototypes under real Mediterranean conditions. Developers can validate performance, reliability and operational readiness at scale, whilst assessing new design solutions, integration strategies and maintenance approaches in a fully authorised and operational environment.
PlemCat is promoted by IREC (Institut de Recerca en Energia de Catalunya) under the mandate of the Generalitat de Catalunya and with co-funding from MITECO/IDAE (Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico) through the RENMARINAS DEMOS programme and the Next Generation EU instrument. The platform is being developed to operates under a broad collaborative framework involving universities, technology centres and private companies from Catalonia and beyond.
PlemCat is IREC’s international research and testing infrastructure under development for floating offshore wind, located in the Gulf of Roses. Discover the platform, its planned technical capabilities and strategic pillars.