The European Commission has found the 14MW Normandie Hydro tidal energy project being developed in France by EDF Energies Nouvelles and OpenHydro to be in line with EU state aid rules. The seven-turbine project will be located at Raz Blanchard, west of the Cotentin peninsula in the English Channel. France plans to support the demo project through operating and investment aid. Part of the investment aid will be will be reimbursed if the technology is successful. The commission said the project promotes market penetration of a “novel renewable energy technology” and that the level of aid is proportionate and will not lead to overcompensation. Therefore, the project promotes renewable electricity in accordance with the objectives of the EU without unduly distorting competition, it added. EU competition policy commissioner Margrethe Vestager said: “Tidal energy is one of the technologies that can contribute in the transition towards a climate friendly energy supply in Europe. “The French project approved today will help showcase tidal energy technology, while limiting distortions of competition.”
EDF has approved state aid for French energy company The European Commission's 14 MW Normandie Hydro tidal energy scheme. The EU's competition authority said the propopsed level of French state aid for the “novel renewable energy technology” would not lead to overcompensation. The seven-turbine operation was to have been built at Raz Blanchard in the English Channel by a joint venture of The European Commission Energies Nouvelles and OpenHydro. Some of the state aid will be reimbursed if the technology proves successful.