Marine Renewable Energies

Governments worldwide are seeking ways to decarbonize their energy supply and achieve emissions reductions. The sea is a potentially huge source of energy, but development of Marine Renewable Energy technologies able to harness that energy is at a relatively early stage. While fixed offshore wind is now a mature sector, and floating wind solutions are moving closer to commercial viability, tidal and wave solutions are in their infancy.

  

Bureau Veritas works to develop certification schemes for MRE projects to help the industry move forward safely and with confidence.

To sustain MRE as a marketable, long-term clean energy source, companies must de-risk the technologies they develop. This means adopting codes and standards that demonstrate to public authorities and finance providers that new asset designs and operations are safe and cost-effective. With a strong certification methodology, innovative technologies can gain acceptance and commercial viability, and achieve scale-up and use in projects connected to the grid.   

  • As France’s representative on the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Bureau Veritas is an active thought leader in clean marine renewable energy
  • Our qualified risk experts reassure investors at a project outset by de-risking all types of MRE technology
  • Bureau Veritas provides project developers with written standards explaining measurable criteria for new unit construction
  • We offer expertise across all types of MRE technology. We are a leader in floating wind, and the only classification society having published Guidance Notes for the classification of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC).
     

our offer

Dedicated MRE guidelines

Bureau Veritas offers dedicated MRE guidelines: NI 631 Certification Scheme for Marine Renewable Energy Technologies, based on IEC guidelines. The certification scheme covers floating offshore wind turbines; current and tidal turbines, including sea and river turbines; wave energy converters; and OTECs. Certification follows a step process below, according to the maturity of the technology.

Approval in Principle (AIP)

AIP aims to establish the design code to which an asset must comply. In this stage, we verify that the design is feasible and suitable for its intended use and environment, and provide recommendations for subsequent project phases.

Prototype Certification

Our Prototype Certification plans assess structural integrity prior to installation. Based on a risk analysis that identifies the main safety threats, this stage verifies the plausibility of load assumptions and load cases used for the design of main components. Prototype certification also includes a manufacturing evaluation and test planning for sea trials.

Component and Type Certification

This stage is used to confirm that a major component or unit of a specific type is designed, documented and manufactured in conformity with design assumptions, specific standards and other technical requirements. Conformity of the unit is checked according to specified environmental conditions, which correspond with a specific load envelope.

Project Certification

In the Project Certification stage, Bureau Veritas evaluates whether an asset is built to account for external conditions at the intended location. We also assess conformity with National Authorities’ requirements, applicable standards, construction and electrical codes, and other relevant site-specific requirements.

Marine Renewable Energies Download your guide to certification 

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