Prototype Unit, race rocks, Canada

World leader in energy, Alstom heads for marine energy and enters industrialization and commercialization of its marine turbines. Using tidal energy. Philippe Gilson, Director for Ocean Energy Alstom Hydro gives a very detailed vision of their projects and strategy.

Interview with Philippe Gilson - Alstom Hydro Tidal Energy Director

When did alstom make the decision to invest in marine energy generation? What was the catalyst?

The decision was taken in 2008, following several years of preliminary studies on the subject. There were two main catalysts: first, the conclusion of our market research that confirmed the attractiveness of the tidal market for a company like Alstom, and, second, the identification of technology that had already been tested at sea and met our selection criteria (i.e. reliability, lower maintenance requirements, minimum environmental and societal impact, and growth potential).

What is alstom’s industrial strategy and what are its main objectives over the next five years? 

We are now at the stage of industrializing and manufacturing our first tidal turbine, the BELUGA 9, designed for high-energy sites (currents up to 4.5 m/s, or 9 knots). We have also begun the design of a second, bigger model for less energetic sites. Once these products have been validated in demonstration projects, we plan to start mass production to equip hydro farms. In five years, we expect our first pilot farm to be in operation.

How do you determine “profitable” areas? What are the criteria and critical limits? What should be the critical size of a tidal park? 

 Profitability of potential areas depends on a great many parameters. The main criteria are the energy of tidal currents and the depth available. You need speeds of at least 2.5 m/s (or 5 knots) at spring tides, and enough depth to install large machines. Alstom turbines require a minimum depth of 30m at low tide, in order to avoid any inconvenience to surface navigation. Other criteria include proximity between, on one hand, the offshore site and, on the other, the coast; a point of electrical connection; and adequate port infrastructure. The size of the tidal turbine is an important parameter, because the fixed costs (related to prior studies, requests for authorization, the infrastructure of submarine cables and connection to the network, etc.) will be better amortized if the tidal park is large. Electricity producers are already considering parks of several hundred MW.

What form will environmental impact studies take?

The legal framework defining in detail the environmental impact assessment requirements has not yet been fixed, and will probably be different from one country to another. In our development, we pay particular attention to minimizing visual impact (our machines are completely submerged), the risks of pollution (machines are fully lubricated with seawater) and noise.

At what distance and maximum depth can you work and locate the turbines? How would you describe the ideal geological and marine setting for tidal farms?

Most suitable sites are located at a relatively short distance from shore (a few kilometers). There really is no maximum depth for installing a tidal turbine. The sites we are currently studying are at a depth between 30 and 60m. The Canadian site where we plan to deploy our pilot project has a depth of 50m. 

Are you afraid of appeals from environmentalists and fishing interests?

For now, the first projects being carried out on test sites seem to be very well accepted. For future commercial projects, consultation with other sea-users will be necessary, well before the deployment of projects.

How important is the concept of territorial waters? How does this translate in political, legal and economic terms?

It is too early to answer this question. What we are seeing is that sites of interest are usually in the zone within the 12-nautical-mile territory, which should simplify the legal and political context.

Are we moving towards a tender process or will you be free to establish tidal turbines in international waters?

In the vast majority of cases, settlement areas are likely to be assigned by national authorities.

How much economic and financial support is France offering at this stage?

The United Kingdom has established an impressive series of measures to support its industry, with the desire to become the world leader in the field. France, which has so far shown considerable delay, recently decided to support marine energy projects, including the ORCA project, a pilot project led by Alstom in collaboration with a dozen French partners. This is an important step in the right direction, even if economic support remains much more vigorous in the UK, notably through a much more attractive system of remuneration for tidal power.

And what is the EU strategy concerning Tidal Energy?

The EU has funded a few marine energy projects, but the amounts involved are low compared to other industrial sectors. An important boost is expected, however, thanks to the NER300 program, which should provide significant support for a proposed tidal turbine pilot project by 2015. 

Who are your major competitors today? Would you say that competition is already raging? 

Rather than discuss any of our competitors in particular, we prefer to limit our comments to competition in general. Yes, competition is already intense. Dozens of companies are positioning themselves in this market, mainly SMEs and mostly from the British Isles. Alstom was one of the first large industrial groups to engage in this sector, and others have since followed suit.

Is the production of electricity from wave energy more advanced? Is investment in megawatt/produced lower for wave energy or for energy flows? How does it compare with other renewable energies?

Alstom is not currently positioned in the field of wave energy, and therefore we cannot speculate on this market that we know less well.

Is your exclusive partnership with Clean Current strong enough to ensure its long-term development? Why not buy this Canadian company?

The contractual relationship that binds Alstom to Clean Current Power Systems is built on the long-term, as it is a global license without time limitation, although the life of patents is limited to 20 years. This contractual scheme, established in early 2009, was best suited to our situation at the time, and it continues to suit us.

What are your arguments technologically in terms of innovation and safety?

The technology we develop is built on a simple logic: generate renewable electricity at the lowest possible cost while minimizing the number of interventions on the machine, whether for repair or maintenance, because any operation at sea is very expensive. To achieve this objective, the tidal turbine has only one moving part (the rotor) and no other mechanism that can break down or wear out. (There is no orientation mechanism for the turbine or its blades). There are also no slip rings or other wearable parts. No need, either, to periodically change the oil, since there won’t be a single drop on board.

Is it possible to produce electricity without the Smart Grid?

One of tidal energy’s major advantages is precisely that it is perfectly predictable. This greatly facilitates the task of electricity producers and operators of power grids, especially when compared to other renewables. Photovoltaic energy, for example, can fluctuate quite significantly without any notice, which requires more intelligence in managing the network.

by Henry Montana