SEENEOH Test Site Report
By Fondation OPEN-C
Deliverable D.1.1.3
Deliverable D1.1.3 focuses on the SEENEOH test site in Bordeaux, France, operated by OPEN‑C. This report presents the specific framework for testing tidal energy technologies in a complex estuarine and urban environment.Unlike offshore sites, SEENEOH is located on the Garonne River, within the Gironde estuary, offering a distinctive testing ground shaped by tidal currents, river flow and urban constraints. This makes it particularly relevant for the development of innovative and adaptable tidal technologies.
The report describes the infrastructure available on site, including electrical connection to the public grid and several berths for demonstrators. It also outlines the environmental conditions that characterize the site, such as high turbidity, strong sediment dynamics and the presence of floating debris — all of which are important considerations for device design and operation.The publication also explains the regulatory framework governing the site through a Temporary Occupation Agreement and environmental declarations, ensuring that site activities are carried out in a controlled and compliant manner.
The onboarding process for demonstrators is clearly structured, with dedicated technical documentation, risk assessments and operational preparation required ahead of installation.Environmental monitoring may be implemented on a case-by-case basis, with attention to parameters such as acoustics, bathymetry, sediment behaviour and ecological interactions.
By addressing the specific challenges of estuarine environments, this deliverable complements offshore test sites and strengthens the overall testing capacity developed through the SHINES project.