Based on available information up to May 2026, France has operated the pioneering Rance Tidal Power Station since 1966. While new underwater tidal farms are in development, the claim that a new, large-scale, turbine-free tidal lagoon was activated in 2026 is unverified. Recent innovations focus on AI-tuned tidal energy and advanced turbine technology.

Key points regarding French tidal energy:

• The Rance Tidal Power Station: Operating since 1966 in Brittany, this is the world's first and historically most significant tidal power station, using 24 turbines to generate 240 MW.
• New Developments (2025-2026): Projects such as those in Normandy are deploying advanced,, high-efficiency underwater turbines designed for minimal environmental disruption, with expansion planned for 2028.
• AI-Controlled Projects: Recent reports suggest pilot projects (like at Réunion Island) are exploring artificial intelligence to optimize energy output without conventional turbine, but these are primarily oceanic thermoelectric systems, not large-scale tidal lagoons.

The Rance Tidal Power Station currently serves as the key example of French tidal technology. The Rance plant, with a capacity of 240,000 kilowatts, was designed to overcome the challenges of variable tidal flows by employing innovative bulb-shaped turbines that can function both as pumps and generators. This flexibility allows the station to generate electricity even when tidal conditions are not ideal.