France dives deep into renewable energy with pioneering underwater wind project

According to a new article, Eco Portal features that Europe is diving into a new era of renewable energy, and France is leading the charge with an innovative underwater wind power project. 

Europe is solidifying its position as a global leader in renewable energy, introducing a revolutionary approach by installing wind turbines beneath the ocean. Building on its history of developing diverse renewable energy solutions, Europe views this initiative as a crucial step in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, potentially setting a benchmark for other countries around the world to follow. France, with its extensive coastline, is at the forefront of this innovation, and its NH1 tidal project is poised to deliver reliable energy to local communities.

The NH1 project features four turbines that rotate in a continuous circular motion to generate electricity. Located in the Mediterranean Sea, this 250 MW floating offshore wind farm is designed to minimize the environmental impact on surrounding communities. Although concerns regarding the potential effects on marine life have been raised, the project’s steering committee assures that the turbines will not harm underwater ecosystems.

Normandie Hydroliennes, a French company dedicated to advancing renewable energy solutions, faced significant challenges when proposing the project. Key issues included the potential impact on marine ecosystems and the durability of the turbines. Water exposure could lead to rust and corrosion, which might damage the turbines and adversely affect marine life.

However, after thorough analysis and observation, experts concluded that the turbines are highly efficient, built with durable materials resistant to rapid wear and tear. The turbines generate substantial power, with water providing a significant energy source that enables them to operate smoothly. The comparison between wind and water energy highlights water’s superior ability to power turbines continuously.

According to Euronews, NH claims that the Raz Blanchard Channel, located off the coast of France, holds one of the world’s strongest sea currents. This current has the potential to generate between 15 and 18 terawatt hours (TWh) of energy, with an estimated capacity of 5 to 6 gigawatts (GW)—enough to power 8 million people. The immense power of the current has sparked interest among coastal regions, encouraging them to explore whether they can adopt this technology to meet their own energy needs.

Despite concerns regarding the marine ecosystem, NH installed the tidal turbines at a depth of 38 meters, with experts confirming that efforts were made to protect marine life. In a surprising and positive turn of events, the installation has operated at full capacity without causing harm to underwater organisms.

Studies have shown that fish and other marine species have returned to the infrastructure and surrounding areas of the project. Much like the MeyGen project off the coast of Scotland, these underwater structures appear to provide a new habitat for marine life. However, there are still long-term concerns regarding the effects of vibrations and noise on the ecosystem.

Despite these challenges, the NH1 project has attracted significant attention across Europe and beyond, especially in coastal regions. Several countries are now considering the inclusion of this technology in their future renewable energy strategies. The positive outcomes of the NH1 project and its efficiency in generating electricity suggest that underwater wind power could be a highly effective and viable solution. Furthermore, the project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 57,878 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, according to Euronews.

With its innovative approach to renewable energy, the NH1 tidal project is not just a success for France but could also inspire global efforts to move toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.

By Naila Huseynova