Tidal powerIn 1966, President Charles de Gaulle opened the world's first tidal power station at Rance estuary, in Brittany. La Rance is the most powerful tidal power plant in the world. With its width of 700 metres, it blocks La Rance estuary situated near Saint-Malo (Côtes d'Armor). The operation of the dam is similar to that of run-of-river power plants since its head is also low and there is a substantial flow rate. At high and low tide, the water builds up rapidly on one of the sides of the dam. When the difference in level is sufficient, the gates are opened and the water rushes into the dam. The turbines are reversible so as to be able to operate regardless of the direction of water flow. Each year, the power plant generates 500 million kWh. |
