On September 23, 2009, the SGS Wind Competence Center presented Norderland Projekt GmbH with a Statement of Compliance (SoC) for the design basis of their two offshore wind farms – Northern Energy Global Tech II and Northern Energy Global Tech III. The Statement of Compliance for the design basis is the conclusion of the first phase of the project certification which is provided by an independent accredited organization stating that the wind farm was designed, manufactured and maintained in accordance with the appropriate consensus standards. Each phase of a wind farm project has to be completed with a Statement of Compliance.
The certification of the design basis of both wind farms is mandatory in Germany and the resulting Statement of Compliance is a precondition for the further development of the wind farm projects. As the design basis is the first phase of a wind farm project, it was essential to obtain this certificate for the Norderland Projekt GmbH.
In Germany, the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH, or “Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie”) decides on the approval of offshore wind farm development projects. As an accredited partner of BSH, SGS Wind Energy Competence Center was awarded with the contract for the verification and certification of the design basis of the two offshore wind farms.
The approval procedure of both wind farm projects lasted 3 months and comprised the verification of the design basis and the sub-structure design of the wind farms in accordance with the standards of the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency of Germany. The verification process includes the assessment of all environmental conditions, such as wind, oceanographic, geotechnical and consequential load and design assumptions.
Today, large scale wind farms are moving offshore, and this involves new risks and challenges, including the location’s water depth, soil, wave, current and ice conditions. Certification of offshore wind farms and wind turbines as well as their components is mandatory in most places around the world. SGS Wind Energy Competence Center offers certification services not only for the design basis but for each phase of a wind farm project.
SGS Wind Energy Services
The SGS Wind Energy Competence Center in Hamburg, Germany, is one of the leading certification and inspection companies for onshore and offshore wind energy life cycle services, and carries out certifications in accordance with relevant standards. Through “step-by-step” Project Certification, SGS contributes significantly to the minimization of technical risks in wind farm projects.
SGS is committed to provide a fully comprehensive program for the Wind Energy Sector that is designed to meet the specific requirements of the wind energy market.
For more information please contact:
SGS Industrial Services
SGS Competence Center Wind Energy
Alexander Heitmann
Global Project Manager Renewable Energy
SGS Group Management Ltd.
Raboisen 28
D – 20095 Hamburg
t: +49 (40) 30101 527
f: +49 89 1250406 8-527
Email: industrial.pr@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/wind
The SGS Group is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With more than 56,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,000 offices and laboratories around the world.
