New and perhaps definitive legal setback for the proponents of a tidal project in the Gulf of Morbihan: the Quimper commercial court pronounced, on November 15, the judicial liquidation of Morbihan Hydro Energy (MHE). Justice had twice given a reprieve to this company, an offshoot of Morbihan Énergie and Sabella, by extending its supervision period in July and October 2024.
Morbihan Hydro Energy was the leader of the project to install two tidal turbines for local authorities in the Gulf of Morbihan. The other actor was the Quimper company which was to manufacture the turbines, Sabella, whose judicial liquidation was declared on January 19, 2024.
“Excellent news”
On January 2, 2023, the prefect of Morbihan authorized MHE to experimentally install two tidal turbines with a capacity of 250 kW between Monteno Point, in Arzon, and Long Island. A backlash was raised against this project, arguing about the environmental impact that the installation of these turbines would have on the ecosystem of the Gulf of Morbihan.
“The judicial liquidation of Morbihan hydro energy is excellent news,” reacts Bertrand Fénart, president of the Gulf of Morbihan fishermen’s association. If, however, public aid does not attract other investors.” The president of MHE, Gérard Thépaut, does not exclude this hypothesis either: “It is within the realm of possibility. Because the site is very favorable for the exploitation of this type of energy with the presence of a strong current and very close landfall. Let us also remember that the State will encourage tidal projects with aid.
€600,000 in public funds
Morbihan Hydro Energy had committed €600,000 to this project, of which €500,000 was covered by European aid, says Gérard Thépaut. These mainly concern study costs and prototype production work. The English company Inyanga, whose name had been mentioned as a possible buyer, is ultimately not interested in the Gulf of Morbihan tidal project.