OpenHydro to deliver two grid-connected tidal arrays in 2015

OpenHydro aims to deploy two tidal arrays before the end of 2015 in France and Canada.

OpenHydro, a subsidiary of DCNS, celebrates a decade in business while preparing for the realization of two major tidal energy projects.

Irish-based company is working with Emera, through its jointly funded venture Cape Sharp Tidal, to deploy and grid connect two 16 metre turbines (2 MW each) in the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Furthermore, OpenHydro, toghether with EDF, plans to deploy two grid-connected tidal turbines 500 kW in capacity each as part of the Paimpol-Bréhat demonstration project, located in France, off the coast of Paimpol.

The company has almost 1 GW of projects under development, equivalent to 25 percent of Ireland’s electricity demand.

OpenHydro’s commercial portfolio comprises projects in Scotland, the Channel Islands, Canada, Northern Ireland and France, with utility partners including SSE Renewables, Alderney Renewable Energy, Emera, Brookfield Renewable Energy Group and EDF.

James Ives, OpenHydro Chief Executive, said: “During 2015 we plan delivery of two of the world’s first grid connected tidal arrays which will showcase our technology at commercial scale.”

French industrial group, DCNS, acquired a controlling interest in OpenHydro in 2013 and is focused on supporting OpenHydro’s transition from R&D to industrial supply and delivery of economic, commercial tidal arrays.

Thierry Kalanquin, Senior Vice President, Energy and Marine Infrastructure in DCNS and Chairman of OpenHydro, said: “We are committed to using our expertise and global network to support OpenHydro and expand its opportunities in new markets.”

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Image: DCNS