DNV Launches Joint Industry Project for Bottom-Fixed Offshore Wind Farms

DNV has launched a joint industry project (JIP) to develop a standard for the certification of installation aids for bottom-fixed offshore wind farms.

DNV is initiating a JIP to develop a decision tool and reference that can be used by all stakeholders during the specification, design, manufacture, procurement, and approval of any equipment intended for the installation and decommissioning of bottom-fixed wind turbines.

According to the independent energy expert and assurance provider, the wind energy capacity will expand 15-fold, rising from five per cent of global electricity production currently to 33 per cent in 2050.

With higher and more-reliable wind speeds, and fewer constraints on hub heights and site locations, offshore wind could continue to show a 14 per cent average annual growth, and bottom-fixed offshore wind power could constitute eleven per cent of the global grid-connected electricity supply by 2050.

Kim Sandgaard-Mørk, Executive Vice President for Renewables Certification said that increasing and complex demands on the bottom-fixed offshore wind turbine installation aids are pushing existing processes and standards to the limit.

He added that “Different practices and a lack of standardization are creating inconsistency, unnecessary costs, and risks throughout the industry. The outcome of the JIP will be a reliable benchmark for the industry to save time and money for all involved stakeholders.”

Dr. Marius Popa, Naval Architect and Project Manager at DNV said that relevant parts from existing codes will be reused for building a clear and pragmatic certification scheme.

“We shall identify potential gaps and incorporate proper solutions for closing them in the outcome of the JIP. The development of a unified, technology-agnostic approach will ensure consistency across the supply chain without excluding customization, such that any user can refer to internal standards during their decision-making process, without deviating from the industry standard”, Popa added.

DNV is partnering with players from all parts of the offshore industry, such as equipment manufacturers, offshore constructors, field developers, operators of wind turbine fields, and insurers.

The company is in advanced discussions over the initial JIP scoping proposal with Caley Ocean Systems (a Pryme Group company), Huisman Equipment, IMECA (a brand of Reel), Jan de Nul Group, Osbit, Remazel Engineering, Saipem, SSE Renewables, and TWD.

A call for additional partners remains open and the JIP is planned to be kicked off by May this year.

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