A tidal power plant equipped with the globe's strongest submerged turbines is under construction along the Norman coastline following its success in obtaining European Union financing.

The NH1 tidal initiative by Normandie Hydroliennes will employ four turbines to convert the powerful Raz Blanchard tidal current—Europe's most robust tidal stream—into a sustainable power source.

This project is among more than 40 initiatives that were awarded a combined €4.8 billion in the European Union’s most recent funding cycle through its Innovation Fund dedicated to clean technology. The resources for this fund come from revenue generated by the EU. Emissions Trading System (ETS), which mandates polluters to pay for their greenhouse gas emissions.

"Getting chosen by the Innovation Fund is a significant acknowledgment of our efforts and the potential influence of our technological solution, specifically the cutting-edge Proteus AR3000 horizontal-axis turbine, on reducing carbon emissions and reshaping the energy landscape," states Katia Gautier, who leads Normandie Hydroliennes (NH).

NH1 will be situated 3 kilometers west of the coast of Cap de la Hague and is scheduled to begin providing power by 2028.

How much energy can the Normandy tidal farm generate?

The strong tidal currents of the Raz Blanchard channel in the English Channel rank among the most potent globally, according to NH. Boasting an estimated capacity of approximately 5 to 6 gigawatts (GW), these currents have the capability to generate between 15 and 18 terawatt-hours (TWh) annually, which would be sufficient to power roughly 8 million individuals.

presently being built in the coastal city of Cherbourg, the submarine turbines will feature a rotor diameter of 24 meters and a power output of 3 megawatts (MW) each. These four turbines together will generate approximately 34 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually—sufficient to cover the annual electricity requirements of around 15,000 local inhabitants.

Locals also stand to gain additional advantages. Approximately 80 percent of the construction costs for this initiative will be sourced within France, with NH anticipating the creation of around 400 both immediate and ancillary employment opportunities. The remaining portion will originate from elsewhere in Europe, aimed at ensuring energy independence.

Gautier states that the €31.3 million grant will allow the company to make "significant progress" towards completing the project. She continues, "We are excited about collaborating with our partners to ensure the NH1 tidal turbine demonstration plant becomes a success—a benchmark project—and thereby help shape a more sustainable energy future."

The Innovation Fund points out that future initiatives aim to install up to 85 turbines annually, significantly increasing employment opportunities to support and expand France’s maritime industry.

What impact will the tidal turbines have on the ocean ecosystem?

NH emphasizes that their pilot farm, situated at a minimum depth of 38 meters, poses no threat to navigation or maritime safety. It also ensures operation in harmony with the protection of marine life.

The field research indicates a resurgence of fish and large marine creatures at current project locations. For instance, the MeyGen initiative near Scotland’s coastline implies that turbine bases and connecting cables may act as "habitat areas" for these species. species .

Other research indicates that the noise levels from tidal turbines are considerably below the threshold that could disturb large sea creatures.

It is anticipated that the project will result in saving approximately 57,878 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in greenhouse gases.

Overall, 85 clean technology initiatives across 18 nations received financial backing from the Innovation Fund in October, covering areas such as energy storage, zero-emission transportation, and sustainable construction.

"The fund is once again showing how the EU Emissions Trading System is an excellent instrument for lowering emissions and supporting the initiatives required to create a climate-neutral and competitive Europe," stated Wopke Hoekstra, the European Union Commissioner responsible for Climate, Net Zero, and Clean Growth.