27/07/2016 (Agence Europe) - Aid approved for Raz Blanchard tidal energy plant. On Wednesday 27 July, the European Commission approved the French state project to grant aid to the the NEPTHYD (Normandie Energie PiloTe HYDrolien) tidal energy pilot farm. This tidal energy plant will be located at Raz Blanchard west of the Cotentin peninsula, in the English Channel. A subsidiary of the Engie group, selected by means of a tender procedure, will build and operate the plant for 20 years. The pilot plant will be composed of four turbines with nominal power of 1.4 megawatt (MW) each. The European Commission considers that the aid planned by France, which will take the shape of a direct subsidy and repayable loans if the technology meets its goals will help “promote the production of electricity from renewable sources, in line with EU energy and climate goals, without unduly distorting competition in the Single Market”. (JK)