What is the Perga Ingenieros Project?
Perga Ingenieros is a Spanish company dedicated to research and development, created in April 2003 by José María Pérez Martínez, an industrial engineer with over 40 years of experience in designing, developing, and installing pumping stations as well as thermal and hydraulic plants for electricity production. With its resources fully dedicated to research and innovation, the company has advanced the Perga turbogenerator—an innovative hydraulic microturbine connected to a submersible electric generator mounted inside a flanged steel pipe—to harness the potential energy of a hydraulic drop for the generation of 100% renewable electricity. Testing and prototype verification in Spain were performed for more than 8 years at the Energy Research Center in Totana (Murcia), where existing infrastructures, including a 7000 m² facility equipped with test benches for turbogenerators and electric pumps, played a critical role.
Main Benefit
- Over 40 years of industrial experience in hydraulic and thermal plant development.
- Innovative and patented hydraulic machine approved in Spain and Europe.
- Perga turbogenerator covers a drop height range from 15 m up to approximately 250 m.
- Flow capability up to approximately 750 l/s, with a modular design option for higher flows.
- Operation versatility: connected to the grid or as an isolated system for self-consumption and energy sales.
Technical Development
Developed at the Energy Research Center in Totana (Murcia), the project stands as a testament to the capabilities of Spanish innovation. The testing process spanned more than 8 years, where several prototypes were carefully verified before arriving at the final product. Early prototypes and a series of trials allowed for adjustments and improvements, ensuring the turbogenerator could reliably use the energy from a hydraulic drop to produce clean electricity. The facility’s test benches provided ample opportunity to simulate real-world conditions, confirming the design’s robustness during rigorous trials.
Innovative Energy Solution
The Perga turbogenerator represents a compact and ingenious integration of a turbine and a three-phase asynchronous generator. Rigidly connected and housed inside a pipe, this assembly minimizes the space required while maximizing efficiency. The design is a breakthrough in hydraulic energy conversion for small to medium developments, whereby both technical performance and cost-effectiveness are difficult to improve upon using conventional equipment. The simplicity of the design is matched by its effectiveness, making it a dynamic solution for renewable energy generation in varied installations.
Company Experience and Expertise
Perga Ingenieros has built its reputation through extensive experience in electromechanical installations, project design, and technical assistance. The company’s portfolio is enriched by numerous hydraulic and energy studies, as well as comprehensive training and research courses. This foundation of practical know-how and technical research has positioned the company as a leader in innovating solutions within both the Spanish and European contexts. Participation in international export initiatives such as the ICEX-NEXT Export Initiation Program, along with co-financing from European FEDER funds, has further validated the company’s innovative approach. These collaborations have contributed, according to each initiative’s scope, to the economic growth of the region and Spain overall.
Project Impact
- SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: Promotes renewable electricity through 100% renewable energy generation.
- SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Fosters advanced research and development in hydraulic technology.
- SDG 13 – Climate Action: Supports the transition to clean energy and reduction of carbon emissions.
Global Expansion and Future Potential
The Perga Ingenieros project has begun to resonate not only locally but also internationally, hinting at promising global expansion. The modular approach of the turbogenerator design—particularly for handling higher flow rates by installing units in parallel—opens new markets and opportunities for installations that exceed standard specifications. With support from initiatives like the ICEX-NEXT Export Initiation Program, the technology is poised to be scaled further outside Spain. This expansion is assisted by co-financing from European FEDER funds, ensuring that the economic and technical benefits reach broader markets while fostering continued innovation. The project, emblematic of the blend between traditional expertise and innovative engineering, manages to balance technical excellence with economic feasibility. As such, it continues to pave the way for projects that strive for renewable energy solutions that are both cost-effective and long-lasting…
