DCNS (parent company for OpenHydro) and EDF Energies Nouvelles have been selected by France to set up an array of seven 2MW tidal turbines for the Normandie Hydro project.
The turbines will be installed in Raz Blanchard, off the French coast of Normandy. They will have a combined power output of 14MW and are scheduled to be connected to the power grid by 2018.
Once operational, the project will have the capacity to meet energy requirements of 13,000 local homes.
DCNS marine energy and infrastructure division director and OpenHydro chairman Thierry Kalanquin said: “The selection of this project by ADEME gives a further push to the development of a French tidal energy industry, for which Cherbourg will be the driver.
“The array that we will deploy in the Raz Blanchard, along with EDF Energies Nouvelles, will allow us to meet market schedules and respond to future calls for tender for future commercial tidal turbine arrays, both in France and around the world.”
EDF Energies Nouvelles managing director Antoine Cahuzac said: “The selection of the Normandie Hydro project is recognition of the high-quality work of the EDF Energies Nouvelles and DCNS teams on this innovative technology.
“Marine energies are promising sectors for the future and EDF Energies Nouvelles, and more generally the EDF group, has the aim of contributing to their industrial competitiveness.”
The French Government has selected Alstom to supply power equipment at another tidal energy pilot project in Raz Blanchard to the west of the Cotentin peninsula (Manche), along with GDF SUEZ.
As well as supplying four Oceade 18 – 1.4MW tidal turbines, Alstom will also deliver an electrical subsea hub2 for the 5.6MW tidal project.
Construction at the site is likely to start in 2017.
The tidal power project is expected to operate for 20 years, supplying electricity to 15,000 homes.
French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) had selected the developers for both the tidal projects.