Inyanga Marine Energy Group has announced its acquisition of the D10 tidal turbine, the first grid-connected tidal turbine in France. Originally deployed in 2015, the turbine is located in the Fromveur Passage off the coast of Brittany and supplies clean energy to the island of Ushant.
The D10 turbine was previously owned by French company Sabella, which went into liquidation in January 2024. Inyanga Marine Energy Group has now secured the rights to operate the turbine until August 2028. The UK-based company, which has an office in Brittany, has managed the offshore operations at the D10 site since 2016.
“All permitting for the D10 turbine has now been renewed. We really appreciate the great support our company received from the Brittany Region and the French Administration. We have a shared vision for the development of renewable tidal energy,” said Diane Dhomé of Inyanga Marine Energy Group.
Since its installation, the D10 turbine has undergone multiple efficiency improvements. It operates at a depth of 55m and measures 17m high and 10m in diameter, capable of delivering up to 250 kW of electricity to Ushant’s power grid. The turbine has been running continuously since its last deployment in early 2022 under Inyanga’s management. Environmental studies have shown that the technology has no adverse effects on the local marine environment.
Richard Parkinson, CEO of Inyanga Marine Energy Group, commented on the acquisition: “We have been heavily involved in the offshore operations on the D10 for several years and we were saddened by the bankruptcy of Sabella. We are pleased that our takeover of the D10 tidal turbine has now been concluded by the courts and the new deeds are now being drawn up. The future is safeguarded for this iconic tidal turbine, which has enjoyed tremendous support from the local community. It is another exciting milestone for Inyanga Marine Energy Group as we move towards our ambition of being the world leader in tidal energy.”
The Fromveur Passage, also known as St Vincent’s Channel, has the second strongest tidal current in France and is well-known for its intense currents.
