POWER FROM THE SEA The major European Tidal technology company OpenHydro, a DCNS company, and Alderney Renewable Energy (ARE) have signed a joint venture which will see the two companies combine their expertise and resources to develop a 300MW tidal array in Alderney waters. The joint venture company is called Race Tidal Ltd.
T
he island of Alderney is located in the Channel Islands and its territorial waters contain one of the world’s largest tidal energy resources which, once fully developed, is estimated to produce enough energy to power 1.5 million homes. Once completed, the array developed by
14 Industry Europe
OpenHydro and ARE is expected to consist of 150 turbines (2.0MW each) which will produce enough power for over 150,000 homes. Related to this, FAB Link Limited, a joint venture between ARE and Transmission Investment LLP, is developing a power interconnector between France, Alderney
and Britain. This link will enable the tidal power generated in Alderney’s waters to be exported to European markets, as well as allowing energy to be traded between France and Britain. Development of the FAB project is progressing in conjunction with French Grid operator RTE.
