Marine Energy Research and Innovation Centre (MERIC)

The Marine Energy Research and Innovation Centre (MERIC) was initiated by DCNS Energies (Currently Naval Group) and Enel Green Power supported by the Chilean Ministry of Energy, through the government’s economic development organisation CORFO (Corporación de Fomento de la Producción). MERIC program is 8-years long supported by a contribution of around 17 million US dollars as well as an in-kind funding, 53% of which will come through cash funding from the Chilean government’s economic development organisation named CORFO. 

MERIC is a ground-breaking global centre of marine energy R&D excellence in Chile, that gathers highly motivated people with great experience to support six research projects related to marine energy, in the fields: resource assessment, site characterization, bio-fouling, bio-corrosion, technology adaptation to extreme ocean conditions and technology integration to current marine industries. 

MERIC has developed a flagship project, the Open Sea Lab, a WEC installed in Las Cruces, that supplies energy to marine sensing instruments around the OPT buoy. This project has reunited and integrated MERIC’s team capacities around the installation and monitoring around this test site. Open Sea Lab, had in operation the OPT WEC during years 2 and 3 resisting several storm surges, being dismantled in September 2023. Open Sea Lab Project is currently in operation through their instrumentation which is sustained by normal batteries. 

MERIC experts are developing tools, guidance and capabilities to facilitate and coordinate the implementation of offshore renewable energy technologies to Chile’s unique natural conditions (seismic activity, rugged coastline, a particularly rich and diverse array of marine flora and fauna). 

Concurrently, MERIC has examined international experience related to procedures, regulations, and public policies that could be adopted in a Chilean context. Researchers at MERIC are also looking to ensure an appropriate management of social and environmental impacts of marine renewable energy (MRE) projects, with a focus on community engagement and the development of models and protocols to support the decision-making process.

During the first 7 years of development, MERIC established a national and international reference on MRE with a consolidated infrastructure and experience which has allowed knowledge to local coastal and marine industries, through applied research, technological development and innovation in all of the sciences areas involved in the exploitation of marine energy resources. Particularly, the Center has been understanding the ecosystem dynamics of the coasts along the country for the adaptation of current MRE technologies to the extreme conditions of Chile and its hazards. MERIC is structured as a hub for innovation in marine energy in Chile and at global level.

Currently, the Center is exploring opportunities in these areas:

• Integration of marine energy solutions to the hydrogen industry that is being introduced strongly in the country, mainly in the Magallanes Region, to support the optimization of energy storage and back up processes of producing hydrogen and e-fuels. 
• Integration of floating offshore wind in the decarbonization national strategy, near the places where carbon plant are going to shut down. Also as a long term strategy, as in land wind energy is generating several challenges. 
• Integrations of general offshore renewable energy for the sustainable development of industries and communities at sea, eg: isolated communities, islands, aquaculture industries. 

The research activities are carried out at:

• Marine Research Laboratory of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile ECIM (Estación Costera de Investigaciones Marinas), located in Las Cruces, Valparaíso region; 
• Laboratory of engineering y biotechnology of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC) in Santiago, Metropolitan region; 
• Department of hydraulics and environment of PUC in San Joaquin, Metropolitan region; 
• Department of naval engineering of University Austral of Chile (UACh) in Valdivia, Los Rios region.