Channel Islands-based tidal energy developer, Alderney Renewable Energy (ARE) has awarded two major contracts for the development of tidal arrays and Anglo-French electricity interconnector cable. The contracts aim at building one of the largest tidal power farms in Europe.
The company has signed the first agreement with DCNS to establish tidal arrays in Alderney's waters. The second alliance is with Transmission Capital (TCL) and RTE (Réseau de Transport d'Électricité), a France-based grid operator, to develop an energy interconnector cable called FABLink. The interconnector between Britain, Alderney and France will allow the transfer of about 4 GW of tidal energy from Alderney's waters as well as a power trading link that connects countries.
Eric Besson, Minister of the French Industry, and Edward Davey, the UK Energy Secretary, has signed a declaration noting that they are committed to advance the marine energy capabilities. The agreements signed by ARE and DCNS, and ARE, TCL and RTE represent a significant step towards the implementation of a major renewable energy project that stands out globally. In addition, the project could promote the emergence of industrial collaboration between the UK and France.
The FABLink interconnectors established between the two countries will reinforce the grid links, enhance the safety of energy supplies and enable the combination of intermittent energy sources. Both projects have received support from the UK, France and Alderney governments.
Source: http://are.gb.com/