GHYDRO: Methodology guide for assessment of environmental impacts of tidal stream energy technologies at sea

The objective of GHYDRO, a France Energies Marines project, is to draw up a methodology guide that provide stakeholders in tidal stream energy projects with decision-making help for the environmental integration of generators and tidal farms. The methodological guide currently represents a summary of the recommendations concerning the diverse physical parameters and biological compartments of the ecosystems that are potentially affected. The physical and biological compartments of the marine ecosystems have been addressed separately in the guide, in order to propose methodologies adapted to each one, in relation to the establishment of the initial state, the characterisation of the potential impacts and the environmental monitoring. To bring together the broadest range of expertise, France Energies Marines has created a consortium of specialists in tidal power technologies and in the marine environment coming from both research institutes and companies.