The joint developers of a 2MW tidal energy pilot in the Rhone gorges, in France, have decided not to continue with the project.
Tidal turbine company HydroQuest, CMN and CNR made the decision by mutual agreement on 1 July 2019, not to pursue the project to install a pilot of 30 tidal turbines downstream of the Genissiat dam, citing uncertainties.
Following two years of technical studies and hydraulic modelling of the turbine fleet, the site constraints would have led to losses at the Genissiat hydroelectric power plant, operated by CNR.
Despite its shutdown, the project has resulted in the design of a new generation of river turbines and the development of technology specifically for characterising potential sites, according to the partners.
HydroQuest, CMN and CNR stated that their decision does not call into question the technology of river tidal turbines.