Rance Tidal Power Station, Tidal power station on the Rance River, France
The Rance Tidal Power Station is a facility at the river's mouth that generates electricity from the tide's movement between the English Channel and the river. The structure spans across the estuary and houses turbines that operate during both rising and falling tides.
The facility opened in 1966 as the world's first tidal energy generator of its kind. Its construction introduced new engineering approaches that influenced how similar projects were built elsewhere.
The power station stands as an industrial landmark where people come to understand how the sea can be harnessed for electricity. Visitors experience how this facility connects the rhythm of tides to the modern energy needs of nearby communities.
The best time to visit is during high or low tide when water movement is strongest and the turbines work most visibly. Bring weather-appropriate clothing since the coastal location can be windy and damp.
The turbines work in both directions, generating electricity as water flows in and out through the estuary. This means the facility produces power continuously around the tidal cycle, making it far more efficient than many other renewable sources.
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