In a move that could significantly bolster the tidal energy sector, Lloyd’s Register (LR) has just handed Orbital Marine Power a feather in their cap with an International Electrotechnical Commission for Renewable Energy (IECRE) feasibility statement for their O2-X tidal energy converter. This isn’t just a pat on the back; it’s a green light for Orbital to stride confidently into the global renewable energy market.
The IECRE is no small fry. It’s a global conformity assessment system, part of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and it’s setting the gold standard for marine energy technologies. Think of it as the stamp of approval that investors, regulators, and industry stakeholders have been waiting for. It’s about time someone put tidal energy under the microscope and gave it the credibility it deserves.
Orbital’s O2-X is no ordinary turbine. It’s an evolution of their existing O2 turbine, currently making waves in the Fall of Warness, Scotland. This beast is expected to churn out 2.4MW of predictable, renewable energy from tidal flows. And Orbital isn’t stopping at Scotland. They’ve got their sights set on the U.K., Canada, and the U.S., aiming to scale up tidal energy as a reliable source of zero-emission power. We’re talking integration with offshore operations, coastal infrastructure, and maritime electrification projects here. It’s a game-changer, folks.
LR, being the only renewable energy certification body with a scope in marine energy, has been working hand-in-glove with Orbital to ensure the O2-X ticks all the right boxes. This certification process isn’t just a box-ticking exercise, though. It’s essential for international trade, as global industries and products rely on consensus-based international standards and Conformity Assessment Systems.
The independent assessment of the O2-X was no walk in the park. It involved an intensive ten-day Technology Qualification (TQ) workshop, with 11 discipline specialists from LR and 22 technical experts from Orbital. They pored over the IEC TS 62600-4, the international technical specification for Technology Qualification, and came out with a TQ Plan outlining further qualification activities. It’s all about providing technical assurance concerning the turbine’s reliability, efficiency, and safety.
Following this rigorous process, LR issued Orbital an IECRE Feasibility Statement—the first step in the IECRE certification pathway. “In awarding Orbital with an IECRE Feasibility Statement, we recognize an important milestone in the certification of a pioneering tidal energy technology,” said Winston D’Souza, Global Technical Authority for Offshore Renewables for LR. “Their rigorous engineering approach underscores the UK’s position at the forefront of the marine renewable sector.”
Orbital, for their part, is thrilled. “We are pleased to have reached this important milestone in the certification process for our series production model turbine, the O2-X,” added Calum Miller, Engineering Manager – New Turbines for ENDS. “We welcome the independent scrutiny as a means to both reduce technical risk and to reinforce our stakeholders’ confidence in our rigorous engineering approach.”
So, what does this mean for the future of tidal energy? It’s a shot in the arm, that’s what. It’s a signal to the world that tidal energy is here to stay, and it’s ready to play a significant role in the renewable energy mix. It’s a call to action for other players in the sector to step up their game and meet international standards. And it’s a testament to the power of collaboration between industry and certification bodies.
But let’s not get carried away. There’s still a long road ahead. Orbital has to progress towards full IECRE certification, and that’s no easy feat. But with LR’s support and their own rigorous engineering approach, they’re well on their way. And as they make waves in the tidal energy sector, they’re bound to spark some debate and challenge some norms. After all, that’s how progress is made. So, buckle up, folks. The future of tidal energy is looking brighter than ever, and it’s about to get a whole lot more interesting.
