Sabella, a Frech tidal energy developer, has installed its D10 tidal turbine at Fromveur Passage, off Ushant Island.
Sabella has completed the turbine installation yesterday, June 25, at 6.30 pm.
Tidal Energy Today spoke to Sabella who confirmed that the company will continue with the operation of connecting the turbine to the island today.
Sabella said it will use Palembang cargo ship to try and make the connection, but since the cargo ship is not best suited for this type of operation, Sabella will leave the turbine and the cable as they are, if the complications arise during the operation.
The company will then retry the connection operation using a more suitable vessel in the following days.
The crew of 25-45 people was present onboard, with 10 additional team members onshore, throughout the deployment operation.
In accordance with the permit issued by the French government, Sabella plans to keep D10 tidal turbine submerged for one year to conduct trials, without adding additional turbines.
The cost of the project is estimated to be between €13-14 mln in total, and it will cover 15 to 20 percent of the Ushant island’s electricity consumption needs.
Sabella confirmed to Tidal Energy Today that the company is working on developing another project in France.
It will comprise the deployment of two to three D15 tidal turbines. The turbines are 15 m in diameter, and have the maximum power output of 2 MW each.
The project is planned for 2018/2019, and will be located in Fromveur Passage.
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Image: Sabella