French plans to back a tidal energy project have been deemed to be in accordance with state aid regulations, the European Commission has found. The Normandie Energie PiloTe HYDrolien is sited in the English Channel and will function as a demonstration plant. A spokeswoman for the commission said it had found that the scheme was not subject to EU competition rules because of its size and scale. French support for the project's construction will be reimbursed if the technology is successful.
French plans to back a tidal energy project have been deemed to be in accordance with state aid regulations, the European Commission has found. The Normandie Energie PiloTe HYDrolien is sited in the English Channel and will function as a demonstration plant. Four 1.4MW turbines, connected to the national grid, will feature upgrade blades and electronics to enhance performance. French support for the project's construction will be reimbursed if the technology is successful.