Preliminary feasibility study phase to demonstrate the strong potential of the HydreManche® foundation structure

• The preliminary feasibility research phase consists in carrying out modelling work — CAD and 3D modelling — together with a hydrodynamic study, before the construction of an operational prototype.
• These studies should make it possible to qualify and quantify the economic, energy-related and environmental advantages of the HydreManche® foundation structure throughout its life cycle, including installation, operation and dismantling.
• The CAD work should define a first realistic architecture for the HydreManche® foundation structure: module geometry, ballast systems, steel–concrete interfaces, assembly principles, and transport, immersion and removal conditions. The aim is to obtain a model that can be used for hydrodynamic studies, initial structural estimates and the economic assessment of the concept.

The assembly method and the size of the foundation structure will then have to be adapted to the specific conditions of each operating site.