The European Union has granted $36 million USD (€31.3) to French company Normandie Hydroliennes for developing a tidal energy pilot project at Alderney Race, 3.4 km (2 miles) west of the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy, on the French shore of the English Channel. Normandie Hydroliennes will install four 3MW turbines on the sea floor, which are expected to generate 34 GWh annually – enough to serve 15,000 people, according to the company’s announcement. The company describes the project, called NH1, as one of France’s “first commercial-scale tidal energy pilot projects.” It is expected to be operational by 2028.
The Alderney Race is the location of Europe’s strongest tidal stream. The race is known for its intermittent but powerful tidal current, which can run up to 12 knots (22 km/h or 14 mph) during some tidal cycles [Wikipedia]. The turbines will operate at least 38 meters (125 feet) below the surface to avoid visual impact and navigation hazards. The company says studies in other locations show that the turbines do not disturb marine life. The turbine array will transmit power to a shore station and the power grid through a single undersea cable.
The turbines will be manufactured by the UK-based Proteus Marine Renewables. The horizontal axis units have three-blade composite rotors 24 meters (79 feet) in diameter with a pitch control system for adapting to power and speed changes and protecting the system in storm conditions. The turbines are currently under construction in the French town of Cherbourg, about 30km (19 miles) east of the installation site.
