French tidal energy developer, EEL Energy has presented and tested the fluvial version of its tidal membrane device to a group of government representatives at Boulogne sur Mer.
The presentation was attended by Gerald Darmanin, minister of Public Action and Accounts, Xavier Bertrand, president of the Hauts-de-France Region, Frédéric Cuvillier, mayor of Boulogne sur Mer and Philippe Vasseur, commissioner for the Revitalization for the Hauts-de-France Region.
The fluvial concept of the device has allowed EEL ENERGY to increase the size of its prototype from 80cm to 260cm. By the end of this year, EEL ENERGY plans to test a large 5m prototype, the company said in a press statement.
The device is capable to convert fluvial or marine currents into green, renewable and predictable electricity, with minimal impact on the flora and fauna.
The testing and demonstration took place in the test area of Ifremer in Boulogne sur Mer, and brought together the partners of the project including Ifremer, Frisquet, Hutchinson, BPi France and Dassault Systèmes.