First tidal turbine ready for Paimpol-Bréhat installation

The first of the two OpenHydro’s tidal turbines has been positioned on its barge ahead of the planned installation set to take place before the end of 2015 as part of Paimpol-Bréhat project.

The Paimpol-Bréhat demonstration project involves the installation of two 500 kW OpenHydro’s turbines 16 km off the coast of Brittany, France, at the water depths of 35 m.

The first 16 m in diameter turbine has been completed, and loaded on the barge in Brest.

It will start its sea trials in the following weeks. Subject to suitable weather conditions, the turbine could be deployed before the end of 2015.

Parallel to this, the second turbine is currently being assembled at DCNS’ shipyard in Brest, and it is expected to be deployed in 2016.

The project is being developed by DCNS (parent company of OpenHydro) and EDF. It is expected to pave the way for the deployment of pre-commercial tidal farms and the development of a tidal energy industrial sector in France.

Following the deployment, the turbines will be connected to the French electricity grid. GE Power Conversion has been tasked with the construction of the subsea converter, and onshore power station for the project.

An electrical conversion system will allow the electricity produced from the turbines to be transported as continuous electrical current to an onshore substation close to the Arcouest Peninsula in Ploubazlanec that will feed the electricity to the French grid.

Natural Power and its sister company SeaRoc have been contracted by EDF to ensure compliance with health and safety and to carry out the role of client representative during the marine operations on the project.

DCNS Group is a French-based company focused on inventing high-technology solutions to sustainably secure the sea and develop its potential.

EDF is a European electricity utility that supplies energy and services to more than 38 million customers.

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Image: DCNS