DNV GL Gives First Push to Alstom’s Tidal Turbine

DNV GL has issued a Statement of Feasibility for Alstom’s Oceade™ tidal turbine, which is the first milestone in the process of achieving Prototype Certification of the tidal turbine Oceade™ 18 – 1.4 MW.

Alstom has been selected to supply four Oceade™ 18 – 1.4 MW tidal turbines to one of the world’s first tidal stream arrays in the Raz Blanchard, France.

The turbine design is an evolution of the 500kW and 1MW demonstrators tested at the European Marine Energy Centre, Scotland. Both the 500kW and 1MW demonstrators completed DNV GL Design Assessment. DNV GL is using its DNV-OSS-312 to certify the Oceade™ 18 – 1.4 MW tidal turbine, with the first stage in the process involving a full risk assessment of the turbine and agreeing actions to mitigate the risk of failure.

DNV GL will now work with Alstom to review and approve design documents before heading towards the fabrication stage, including manufacturing quality and equipment testing and surveillance of the installation and commissioning. Final Prototype Certification of the turbine will follow the successful close out of the actions agreed during the Statement of Feasibility stage.

Rob Stevenson, Vice-President, Ocean Energy, Alstom commented: “The Statement of Feasibility is the first milestone in delivering a high-performing safe & reliable tidal turbine for our customers. We look forward to continuing our journey with DNV GL to gain full Certification for the Oceade™ 18 – 1.4MW.”

Claudio Bittencourt, Business Development Director, DNV GL said: “DNV GL has worked with Alstom for many years and is now certifying the Oceade™ 18 – 1.4 MW tidal turbine. Issuing the DNV GL Statement of Feasibility is an important step demonstrating that Alstom is taking a responsible approach to managing risk and putting in place the foundation for a successful project. We are pleased to be working with and supporting Alstom in their commitment to tackling the technical challenges of the tidal industry.”

Image: Alstom