France is sitting on a tidal-energy “goldmine” that could see projects totalling 2GW built at Le Raz Blanchard off the Normandy coast by 2027, according to Edinburgh-based developer Atlantis Resources.
The company — a global leader in the marine power generation sector — has submitted a strategic plan to the French government outlining how 1GW of tidal power could be delivered by 2025 and 2GW by 2027.
It says that a 2GW project would attract investment amounting to 3.3 billion euros and create an export market worth 400 million euros a year, supporting 10,000 jobs.
Atlantis Resources (
www.atlantisresourcesltd.com) is seeking the backing of the French government to support the development of a supply chain in Normandy to help with its plans for a project off the coast.
According to the company, it will require a “strong local supply chain to fabricate turbines and perform the offshore construction activities”, as well as facilities for testing, operation and maintenance.
Chief executive Tim Cornelius said: “France is sitting on a low-cost renewable-energy goldmine at Raz Blanchard.
“Our proposal could quickly create a new industry in France, attracting investment in local companies to establish a supply chain capable of delivering more than a thousand 1.9MW tidal turbines, along with their associated foundations and the onshore infrastructure.”