The Paimpol-Bréhat tidal energy test site has been upgraded with a reconfigured subsea link, which is expected to facilitate the demonstrations of tidal turbine technologies offshore Brittany region in France.
Thanks to the recent reconfiguration of the subsea link , the site now benefits from a three-phase alternating current connection , connectable out of the water.
The works on the site were completed in mid-September, with an ultimate aim of making the test site more attractive for tidal energy developers.
Aside from a three-phase alternating current socket, the connections can now be made using a terminal plug which simplifies the marine operations, eliminating the need for underwater connections using divers .
The reconfiguration work was carried out as part of the European TIGER project under the sponsorship of the Brittany region and EDF , and with co-funding from the INTERREG Channel program.
The TIGER project – the largest Interreg project ever launched with €45.5 million budget – aims to demonstrate that tidal energy is a mature industry, capable of achieving an accelerated cost reduction path.
Connected to the French national power grid, and operational for 10 years, the Paimpol-Bréhat covers 3.5 hectares, and is located in the north-east of the island of Bréhat in Brittany.
It is operated by EDF and SEENEOH Bretagne , with the support of the Brittany region and Brittany Ocean Power industry association.
The site has also recently welcomed several environmental measurement kits , installed to improve the environmental characterization of the demonstration area and collect various types of data, all with the joint aim of accelerating the development of tidal energy industry .