Hamburg: Since this year it has been necessary to provide site quality reports when planning to erect wind turbines. This and further requirements from the new German Renewable Energies Act (EEG 2017) is one of the central TÜV NORD themes at the Husum Wind industry fair this year, which will take place from 12 to 15 September. The spotlight will also be on the reports that are required for continued operation of wind turbines after expiry of the normal 20 year period.
Since 2017, wind farm planners, operators and investors have had to provide a site quality report in accordance with the German Renewable Energies Act (EEG). This evidence of quality has to be available at the latest before the wind turbines are commissioned. As one of the leading assessors accredited to IEC/ISO 17025, TÜV NORD determines the site-specific wind potential and its potential energy yield as a basis for assessment of site quality. The resulting reports, which are recognised by the German Accreditation Body, DAkkS, form a robust basis when it comes to the financing of new wind energy projects.
A new life for old wind turbines
Another central theme is continued operation of wind turbines whose 20-year operating lifetime will expire in the next few years. TÜV NORD offers operators a complete assessment package for continued operation based on German Wind Association (BWE) guidelines and supports the entire procedure. “As the operators will receive the minimum remuneration under the EEG until 31 December 2020 if they continue with operation, the assessment generally proves worthwhile. We maintain close contacts with our clients within this cost-sensitive environment so that we can offer exactly the right packages”, explains Silvio Konrad, Head of the Industrial Services Division and therefore responsible for the energy sector. TÜV NORD is also driving forward the subject of safe and efficient continued operation in the BWE working group.
In concrete terms, TÜV NORD supports operators of older wind turbines who want to check if continued operation is viable by starting with procurement of the necessary documents. Based on these documents, the wind energy experts analyse the weak points of the turbine. In the next step, the turbine itself is viewed and inspected on site – a service which can also act as a periodic monitoring during turbine lifetime – and is also subjected to analytical consideration. The site conditions such as wind and turbulence are analysed, loads are simulated and the lifetime estimated accordingly. Based on these investigations, TÜV NORD reports on the potential for continued operation on a case-to-case basis.
Services in the Wind Energy sector
TÜV NORD offers certifications, site assessments and inspections for the wind turbine sector and is one of the leading accredited certification bodies in the world for on- and offshore wind turbines. The accreditation covers all the international certification standards such as IEC, EN, GL, Danish approval scheme, DIBt, TAPS and BSH.
TÜV NORD at Husum Wind 2017: Hall 4, Stand A19.
About TÜV NORD GROUP
With over 10,000 employees, TÜV NORD GROUP is one of the largest technical service providers, offering its advisory, service and inspection expertise in over 70 countries throughout the world. Areas of activity include Industrial Services, Mobility, Training and IT. TÜV NORD GROUP occupies a unique position in the sector based on its work in the fields of natural resources and aerospace and is firmly committed to its guiding principle and watchword: “Excellence for your business”.