The European Commission has found Engie’s Normandie Energie Pilote Hydrolien (NEPTHYD) tidal project at France’s Raz Blanchard to be in line with EU state aid rules.
In 2014, the French government selected the 5.6MW project set to feature four GE Oceade 18 turbines as part of a state-funded technology trail.
France plans to support the construction of the plant, through a direct grant and repayable advances, which will be reimbursed if the technology proves successful.
Each unit of energy produced will also receive a feed-in tariff over the project’s 20-year lifetime.
The Commission said the project supports market entry of a novel renewable energy technology, in line with the state aid guidelines, adding the aid will be limited to the cost of producing electricity and will not be overcompensated.
Image: Tidal turbine at EMEC (GE/Alstom)
