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From 8 to 10 July 2025, the partners of the European project HY4RES gathered in Oviedo, Spain, for their fourth meeting, hosted by the University of Oviedo. The event provided an opportunity to review the progress of the project and, during an open day, to bring together stakeholders from the port sector around the Avilés pilot site.
Two days were dedicated to the project’s different work streams. Partners shared updates on several aspects:
Development of innovative turbines to optimise renewable energy production by transforming hydraulic pumps into energy generators (PAT: Pump As Turbine)
Performance analyses are ongoing to improve device efficiency, with laboratory tests and impact studies planned for aquaculture sites.
Digital tools for hybrid system design
For each of the four pilot sites, models have been developed to simulate different scenarios. These tools allow optimisation of energy production based on local characteristics (aquaculture, agriculture, energy communities, and ports). The approach combines techno-economic analyses, immersive modelling (BIM – Building Information Modelling*), and comparisons of multiple alternatives to balance profitability, performance, and environmental sustainability.
Energy production forecasting software
Based on advanced AI models, it integrates data from pilot sites (weather parameters such as solar radiation and wind, as well as historical data on energy production and consumption) to anticipate energy production and consumption in real time for each site.
At each of the four sites, partners finalised the hybrid system designs and began equipment installation:
Agricultural site (Spain)
To ensure the project’s economic viability, the initial design based on floating solar panels was reconsidered. Solar installations are now focused on reservoir slopes, a solution better suited to local constraints. Work was completed by the end of July 2025. A 3D virtual tour is also available for the ‘Las Catalinas’ farm in San José de la Rinconada, hosting the agricultural pilot site.
Aquaculture site (Ireland)
Biomass equipment and the wind turbine are operational, with efforts now focused on optimising performance through a control system. Research also examines the regulatory and policy framework to determine the conditions needed for long term integration in the aquaculture sector.
Energy communities (Portugal)
Partners are developing hybrid models for small energy communities, including 3D modelling (BIM*) and immersive videos of the sites showing turbine placement and planned infrastructure. The installation of a low-head cross-flow turbine is scheduled for September. Economic analyses have already been carried out to assess project feasibility and profitability.
Port of Avilés (Spain)
The pilot site is already operational with several wind and hydrokinetic turbines installed, along with IoT sensors to collect real-time data. Equipment has been designed to be easily adaptable, modular and transportable to other port contexts. The site serves as a demonstrator, testing different hybrid configurations and evaluating their potential for replication.
HY4RES integrates a comprehensive approach to sustainability, considering environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The project employs a life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) to examine the overall impact of hybrid systems throughout their lifecycle—from raw material extraction to end-of-life—aiming to measure emission reductions as well as social benefits and long-term viability.
This approach helps guide future decisions, prioritise the most effective technologies, and identify potential barriers to replicating solutions in other ports or industries.
On 9 July, an open day brought together around forty stakeholders at the Avilés port pilot site, including port representatives, public institutions, companies, and researchers.
The morning began with introductory talks highlighting the strategic vision and collaboration among different actors. The President of the Port of Avilés presented the port and its sustainability priorities. The University of Oviedo’s research lead explained each partner’s role in HY4RES, emphasising the importance of public-private partnerships. Rodolfo Espina Valdés, representing the University of Oviedo, showcased the pilot site in detail, including a demonstration of the equipment and technologies (CFD modelling, floating platform, turbine, etc.). Aonghus McNabola, HY4RES project coordinator, then highlighted decarbonisation challenges and the importance of hybrid systems, followed by Luis Alvarez, Head of Port Services, who discussed opportunities, strategic frameworks, and the need for appropriate funding and skills to meet these challenges.
Participants visited the Avilés pilot site, including wind and hydrokinetic turbines harnessing wind and marine currents, solar panels, and a container housing energy management equipment, as well as the upcoming pumped-storage system. Thanks to its modular design, the hybrid system developed at the port is intended to be easily replicated in other geographical and industrial contexts.
The day ended with an interactive session between partners and participants to gather feedback and explore sustainability in the port sector. Participants highlighted key points, praising the pilot site for its simplicity, modularity, and replicability. They also recognised the strong potential of renewable energy to meet growing port energy demands while reducing fossil fuel dependence. Emphasis was placed on developing solutions that are economically viable, adaptable, easy to implement, and affordable. Participants also stressed the importance of close collaboration between public, private, and academic stakeholders to ensure the success and long-term sustainability of these initiatives.
The main challenges for the port sector’s energy transition remain equipment funding and maintenance, optimising energy production and storage capacities, and availability of technical skills. Participants also underscored the need for improved communication and awareness campaigns around port energy transition to gain stakeholder and public support.
As one participant noted: “Sustainability is not just about energy. It’s a balance between economic, environmental, and social benefits, requiring new ways of working together.”
The Oviedo meeting and the Avilés pilot site visit confirmed the relevance of the HY4RES project in supporting the energy transition. While technical and financial challenges remain, the hybrid and modular solutions developed within the project could represent promising avenues to strengthen port sustainability and for opening up opportunities for future applications in other industrial contexts.
*BIM (Building Information Modelling): a collaborative method that allows the digital design, visualisation, and management of construction and engineering projects through a 3D model enriched with technical data.
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