DNV GL, the world’s largest resource of independent energy experts and certification body, is supporting leading energy solutions and transport company Alstom, through the process of achieving Prototype Certification of its innovative tidal turbine Oceade™ 18 - 1.4 MW. Alstom has been selected to supply four Oceade™ 18 – 1.4 MW tidal turbines to one of the world’s first tidal stream arrays in the Raz Blanchard, France. In the first milestone in the process, DNV GL has issued a ‘Statement of Feasibility’.
The turbine design is at the leading edge of advanced tidal technology, being an evolution of the 500kW and 1MW demonstrators tested at the European Marine Energy Centre, Scotland. Both the 500kW and 1MW demonstrators completed DNV GL Design Assessment. DNV GL is using the industry recognised DNV-OSS-312 to certify the Oceade™ 18 - 1.4 MW tidal turbine, with the first stage in the process involving a full risk assessment of the turbine and agreeing actions to mitigate the risk of failure.
DNV GL will now work with Alstom to review and approve design documents before heading towards the fabrication stage, including manufacturing quality and equipment testing and surveillance of the installation and commissioning. Final Prototype Certification of the turbine will follow the successful close out of the actions agreed during the Statement of Feasibility stage.
The UK and France are continuing to lead the way in terms of the wave and tidal industry, with the initiation of this project demonstrating clear European market confidence in the Alstom design.
Rob Stevenson, Vice-President, Ocean Energy, Alstom commented: “The Statement of Feasibility is the first milestone in delivering a high-performing safe & reliable tidal turbine for our customers. We look forward to continuing our journey with DNV GL to gain full Certification for the Oceade™ 18 - 1.4MW.”
Claudio Bittencourt, Business Development Director, DNV GL commented: “DNV GL has worked with Alstom for many years and is now certifying the Oceade™ 18 - 1.4 MW tidal turbine. Issuing the DNV GL Statement of Feasibility is an important step demonstrating that Alstom is taking a responsible approach to managing risk and putting in place the foundation for a successful project. We are pleased to be working with and supporting Alstom in their commitment to tackling the technical challenges of the tidal industry.”
DNV GL has been at the forefront of the risk based certification processes for the marine and other renewable energies for over 30 years. The organisation has been assessing new technologies and publishing standards and guidelines to ensure components, technologies and projects are reliable, safe and commercially profitable, with all risks mitigated. The risk-based focus is also invaluable for offshore wind and wave and tidal projects, which are pushing the boundaries of technical and engineering knowledge and capabilities. As well as those, which require reliable operation and effective risk management at all times.