GE Renewable Energy’s Haliade-X 12MW wind turbine has achieved its type certificate from the world’s largest independent certification body, DNVGL.
The 12MW turbine is the precursor to the 13MW version of the turbine, which will be used in the first two phases of the world’s largest offshore wind farm, Dogger Bank Wind Farm. This certification is an important milestone as Dogger Bank A and Dogger Bank B progress towards financial close.
This full type certification of the world’s most powerful wind turbine in operation today follows a provisional type certification announced in June and is an independent verification that the new turbines will operate safely, reliably and according to design specifications.
The process of certifying the Haliade-X involved a series of tests on a 12MW prototype located in Rotterdam, and tests of the turbine’s 107 meter blades at the UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult in Blyth and the Massachusetts Wind Technology Testing Centre in Boston.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm Project Director, Steve Wilson, said:
“When installation of the Haliade -X begins in 2023, it will mark the first offshore installation of the world’s most powerful wind turbine in operation today at the world’s largest offshore windfarm.
“The certification of this industry leading turbine is another important step forward for our ground-breaking project and is great news for innovation within the wider global offshore wind industry.”
Vincent Schellings, Chief Technology Officer for Offshore Wind at GE Renewable Energy, said:
“This is a key milestone for us as it gives our customers the ability to obtain financing when purchasing the Haliade-X. Our continued goal is to provide them the technology they need to drive the global growth of offshore wind as it becomes an ever more affordable and reliable source of renewable energy.”
GE Renewable Energy recently announced that the prototype has been optimised and is now operating at a 13 MW power output. Testing will continue and the company expects to obtain a type certificate for the Haliade-X at 13MW in the first half of 2021.