Underwater turbines in France could provide energy for up to 8 million

• France’s NH1 tidal project, backed by $34 million in EU funding, aims to generate electricity using underwater turbines off the coast of Normandy. It will start with a pilot farm producing 34 gigawatt-hours annually, enough for 15,000 people.
• Operations are set to begin in 2028, and the project could potentially expand over time to generate up to 18 terawatt-hours, supplying energy to 8 million people.
• While some conservationists worry about the impact of tidal farms on marine ecosystems, developers argue the turbines are designed to minimize disruption.

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France is set to construct an underwater turbine farm off the coast of Normandy. The NH1 tidal project, backed by nearly $34 million in funding from the European Union, aims to harness ocean currents to eventually generate electricity for millions of people.

“Much more compact than wind turbines with equivalent power, tidal turbines use a reduced footprint compared to offshore wind turbine projects,” said Normandie Hydroliennes, the company behind this effort.

What are the potential benefits of this tidal farm?

This initiative will begin with a pilot farm consisting of four underwater turbines. These turbines will use the flow of the sea to produce 34 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually — enough to power approximately 15,000 inhabitants. Over time, the project plans to expand, increasing its power output to as much as 18 terawatt-hours, which could supply energy to around 8 million people.

According to estimates, the tidal farm could also help avoid nearly 58,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions — equivalent to removing over 13,500 gas-powered vehicles from the road each year.

Are there any possible environmental drawbacks?

Concerns remain about the potential ecological impacts of these underwater turbines. Some conservationists caution that their installation and operation could disrupt marine ecosystems.

In response, Normandie Hydroliennes asserts that the NH1 turbines, positioned about 125 feet below the ocean’s surface, are designed to function with minimal interference to surrounding wildlife. The developers also highlighted the success of a similar tidal farm in Scotland, where marine life reportedly adapted to the underwater structures, even using them as habitat spaces.

What happens next?

The NH1 project is scheduled to begin generating electricity by 2028. In the future, Normandie Hydroliennes plans to deploy 85 new turbines annually to continue increasing the amount of power the tidal farm can supply.