Tidal power investment at Cherbourg
The Ports of Normand Authority (PNA) is planning to expand its facilities at Cherbourg by 35 hectares at a cost of €60m – the expansion will include the development of tidal energy projects in the Raz Blanchard.
Last year energy group EDF and engineering company Alstrom picked Cherbourg as the location of choice for its offshore wind turbine operations – which partly encouraged the port to follow suit with its renewable energy project.
The Raz Blanchard in the English Channel is known for its strong currents and its high potential for tidal power. And the hope is that it could provide up to half of France’s overall tidal power for the future and represent a significant energy source for Alderney in the Channel Islands.
PNA conducted a public consultation on the project at the tale end of last year, during which the project generally received positive feedback. PNA now aims to make an updated and improved plan available to the public which will be available for comment during a hearing in the spring.
The works are due to take place between 2014 and 2016, during which the port will be extended out into the outer harbour on reclaimed land to the east and north of Terre Plein des Flamines and Terre Plein des Mielles.
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