FMGC, the European company specialised in cast iron counterweights and ballast solutions, cooperated with Sabella in production of its tidal turbine.
In June, the first Sabella D10 will be immersed in the waters of the Fromveur strait near Ushant (French: Ouessant) in Brittany.
The foundry manufactured a new type of tidal turbine ballast for the machine’s foundation. Made of grey cast iron, 4 to 5 times denser than concrete, the innovative tripod structure eliminates well-known gravity bases’ negative environmental impact of the footprint. It does not require drilling the seabed and once removed does not impact the surface.
As the island cannot be connected to the intercontinental grid the turbine will cover up to 20% of the needs of the island by harnessing the tides and generating power.