SHINES – Turning tidal and rivers into tomorrow’s energy. 

As Europe searches for local, sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, SHINES (Showcasing Hydrokinetic Energy Innovations for Northwest European Energy Sovereignty) focuses on a powerful yet untapped natural force: tidal and river currents. Unlike wind and solar, these water flows are highly predictable and reliable—making them the perfect complement to existing renewable energy sources. 

This ambitious €10 million project, co-funded by the European Union through Interreg NWE, brings together 14 partners from 6 countries to test three innovative technologies in real-world conditions: RivGen, Hydro Wing, and TidalKite. Tests will take place in France and the Netherlands, with a clear goal: to prove that hydrokinetic energy can play a key role in Europe’s energy transition. 

Beyond demonstration, SHINES will identify and de-risk the most promising sites in each partner country, working hand in hand with local stakeholders to pave the way for the large-scale deployment of hydrokinetic solutions. 

SHINES is about an entire region coming together to harness the steady power of water—turning rivers and tides into a clean, local, and shared source of energy for the future, efficiently using space and grid. 

SeaQurrent is bringing the TidalKite technology to real-sea demonstrations in Ameland and the Paimpol-Bréhat test site. With its unique 3D-harnessing capabilities, the TidalKite significantly expands the tidal energy market, reaching locations with low velocity and shallow water. The SHINES demonstration and action plans will lay a solid base for further TidalKite deployment, ensuring predictable and reliable renewable energy 24/7 to strengthen NWEuropean energy security.

Contacts 

Sandrine Jamet – Fondation OPEN-C – presse@fondation-open-c.org