DNV GL has updated its global project certification approach for wind farms.
The company said the new scheme – ‘DNVGL-SE-0190 Project Certification of Wind Power Plants’ – is more comprehensive than the previous approach it took.
The scheme is designed to use the different certification phases to mitigate risks for “safe and reliable development, construction and operations throughout the full project lifecycle of wind power plants”, DNV GL said.
It added: “The updated certification scheme allows to apply a more practical approach due to flexible split into phases and assets related certifications, and to add optional service elements based on individual needs and preferences.”
It has worked closely with industry to address several areas.
They include improved guidance for developers, owners, operators and contractors during the whole lifecycle of the wind power plant.
The concept certification phase now covers qualification of innovative design and the implementation of a risk-based approach.
A newly-added basic design certification phase enables preliminary design approvals, while a site-specific design assessment of wind turbines has been amended providing more options and extended lifetime.
Offshore substation sections have been aligned with the revised DNVGL-ST-0145:2020-10 standard.
Certification of modifications, repair and condition-based evaluation of operating farms have also been added, as have electrical energy storage systems certification.
Other new additions include wind farm control certification, guidance for CVA services for US federal waters and remote inspection.
The HSE section has been updated to cover training systems.
DNV GL executive vice president of renewables certification Kim Mork said: “The DNV GL Energy Transition report predicts that offshore wind’s contribution to the global energy mix will continue to grow, reaching about 28% of the total wind production by mid-century.
“This rapidly developing offshore wind market will benefit from a state-of-the-art technical approach and an associated project certification scheme, which can become an integral part of any project development.”
DNV GL director for project certification Fabio Pollicino said: “Our project learnings and stakeholders’ requests inspired us for this update providing a more practical risk mitigation approach at effective stage utilising relevant certification activities and our independent expertise.”