Sabella D10 tidal turbine, located off the Ushant Island, has generated 10 MWh of electricity under real operating conditions.
According to French marine energy specialist, “This is a major step in the development of marine energy”.
The turbine started delivering power to Ushant Island on November 5, 2015, when it produced its first kilowatt hour.
Sabella performed various tests of D10 tidal turbine, with support from the Bureau Veritas and IFREMER, and will continue to test its capabilities in order to maximize production. Endurance and reliability of the turbine will be subject to additional testing which will continue until 2016.
The D10 tidal turbine is equipped with the rotor 10 meters in diameter which has six fixed blades, and weighs approximately 450 tonnes. The turbine’s power capacity is rated up to 1 MW.
The power produced from the turbine is expected to cover around 15% of the Ushant island’s electricity consumption needs.