ilopetegui

Basque companies join forces to develop a high-performance actuator manufactured entirely in the Basque Country

Actuators are essential components in sectors such as industrial automation, robotics and aeronautics, as they convert the rotary motion of a motor into linear motion. The global transition towards electric solutions in place of hydraulic and pneumatic systems is driving demand for electromechanical actuators (EMAs), which offer advantages such as reduced weight and easier maintenance.

It is within this context that ERAGIN has been launched, an ambitious R&D project aimed at designing and developing a linear electromechanical actuator with maximum performance, thermal stability and reliability throughout its entire life cycle, capable of meeting the technological demands of the aeronautical sector. The project is led by ZUAZO, with the participation of EGILE and EIPC, Basque companies with extensive experience in aeronautical components, and with the technological collaboration of CIDETEC Surface Engineering.

ERAGIN’s objective is to design and develop a high-performance, thermally stable and reliable linear electromechanical actuator (EMA) capable of responding to the stringent technological requirements of the aeronautical industry. This development will make it possible to move towards more efficient and sustainable solutions, in line with the global trend to replace hydraulic and pneumatic systems with electric solutions.

The project will culminate in the manufacture of a complete linear electromechanical actuator prototype, whose components will be produced entirely in the Basque Country using advanced technologies such as additive manufacturing, high-precision machining, casting and innovative surface treatments.

CIDETEC Surface Engineering is participating by developing advanced surface treatment and inspection technologies to improve the functionality and reliability of the components.

With ERAGIN, these Basque companies are joining forces to develop a high-performance actuator manufactured entirely in the Basque Country, boosting the competitiveness and innovation of the aerospace sector.

Driving disruptive solutions to transform CO₂ into renewable fuels

The Basque consortium SINTETIK, coordinated by Tecnalia, has launched an ambitious two-year research project aimed at developing innovative technologies for the production and conversion of renewable synthetic fuels at competitive costs. This initiative involves CIDETEC Surface Engineering, together with UPV/EHU, Petronor Innovación, Polymat, Tekniker and the Basque Energy Cluster, and is supported by the Basque Government’s Department of Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability through the ELKARTEK 2025 programme.

Within the context of climate neutrality, renewable synthetic fuels (e-fuels) are emerging as a key solution for decarbonising sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as steelmaking, the chemical industry or heavy transport. Moreover, they enable the substitution of grey hydrogen with renewable hydrogen and facilitate its transport and storage in a more efficient and safer manner.

The project envisages the development of four laboratory-scale prototypes, based on electrochemical, photocatalytic and thermal plasma technologies, to obtain syngas, methane, methanol and hydrogen in a cleaner and more cost-effective way.

Among the main lines of work are the development of an electrochemical reactor for generating CO and methanol from CO₂ and water; a thermal plasma reactor for the gasification of residual bio-oils; a photocatalytic reactor for producing renewable methane; and an electrified membrane reactor for obtaining hydrogen from ammonia.

CIDETEC is leading the “Electrochemical reactor” activity, focused on researching catalysts, electrodes and their integration into electrochemical cells for converting CO₂ and H₂ into syngas and methanol. This work will help strengthen the scientific and technological positioning of the Basque industry in a strategic field aligned with the Basque Hydrogen Strategy.

The project seeks to develop disruptive solutions in coatings, smart monitoring and eco‑design to improve the efficiency, sustainability and durability of marine infrastructures.

Offshore wind structures are constantly exposed to extreme environmental conditions, which demands increasingly effective protection solutions. To address this reality, systems are used that combine active and passive methods adapted to the materials employed and the specific environment. This need for protection also influences the design and manufacture of blades, which incorporate new materials to improve their efficiency and sustainability. However, major challenges remain in terms of recyclability and structural resistance.

In addition, conventional metallic coatings present significant limitations: they do not exceed 25 years of service life without requiring costly periodic maintenance. They also generate leachates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pollute both the atmosphere and the marine environment. To prevent galvanic corrosion, sacrificial anodes are used, adding complexity and additional maintenance costs to these infrastructures.

HAIZEEKO “Innovation in new sustainable materials, protection technologies and monitoring for the offshore sector” aims to develop innovative alternative technologies to advance towards more efficient, sustainable and competitive offshore systems, focusing mainly on blades and towers and addressing three technological axes:

• Sustainability, through the development of recyclable materials for blades and ceramic corrosion‑protection CX coatings for support structures that ensure the service life demanded by operators.
• Energy efficiency, through eco‑design and aerodynamic improvements to blades that can be transferred to real applications, with implicit operational advantages.
• Improved durability for blades and structures, aiming at minimal maintenance costs in offshore operation, reinforced by research into disruptive monitoring EA technologies as preventive maintenance.

To achieve these objectives, three lines of research have been defined. The first focuses on advanced protection methods, such as inert ceramic coatings with anti‑icing properties and a new hybrid laser‑and‑induction vitrification technology. The second addresses eco‑design and the use of more sustainable materials, including dynamic 3R epoxy resins and removable adhesives that facilitate repair and recycling. The third line focuses on monitoring systems, with ultrasonic control techniques for ceramic coatings and optimised filtering systems for detection under real service conditions.

• The project consortium is formed by: Navacel (coordinator), Argolabe Ingeniería, Mecanizados Ekimen, Global Factor, Innomat Coatings, Innovation Tree, Manutención y Manipulación Eraman, Kera‑Coat and Mandiola Composites. The HAIZEEKO project includes the participation of CIDETEC Surface Engineering and Tecnalia as RVCTI agents, with the collaboration of the BASQUENERGY Cluster.

The project will run for three years (2025–2027) and is funded by the Department of Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability of the Basque Government (HAZITEK Programme) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).