Lloyd’s Register Awards Feasibility Statement to Orbital Marine Power for O2-X Tidal Energy Converter
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has recently granted an International Electrotechnical Commission for Renewable Energy (IECRE) feasibility statement to Orbital Marine Power for its innovative O2-X tidal energy converter. This significant achievement marks a pivotal step forward in the certification process of this groundbreaking technology.
The IECRE, a prominent global renewable energy conformity assessment system under the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), plays a crucial role in certifying marine energy technologies. It ensures transparency and credibility for investors, regulators, and industry stakeholders by providing a globally recognized framework.
The O2-X turbine, an evolution of Orbital’s existing O2 turbine deployed in Scotland’s Fall of Warness, is designed to generate 2.4MW of predictable, renewable energy from tidal flows. With deployment plans in the U.K., Canada, and the U.S., Orbital aims to scale up tidal energy as a reliable source of zero-emission power.
LR, as the only renewable energy certification body with a scope in marine energy, has been collaborating closely with Orbital to ensure the O2-X meets required international standards. This certification process is essential for enabling international trade and fostering industry growth.
Following an intensive ten-day Technology Qualification (TQ) workshop involving discipline specialists from LR and technical experts from Orbital, the O2-X underwent evaluation based on the IEC TS 62600-4 international technical specification for Technology Qualification. This process led to the development of a TQ Plan to provide technical assurance on the turbine’s reliability, efficiency, and safety.
LR subsequently issued Orbital an IECRE Feasibility Statement, marking the initial step in the IECRE certification pathway. This milestone underscores the UK’s leadership in the marine renewable sector and paves the way for further advancements in tidal energy technology integration.
Winston D’Souza, Global Technical Authority for Offshore Renewables at LR, highlighted the significance of Orbital’s achievement, stating, “As they progress towards full IECRE certification, LR looks forward to continuing our support for Orbital and the wider integration of tidal energy technology into power grids.”
Calum Miller, Engineering Manager – New Turbines at Orbital, expressed satisfaction with reaching this milestone in the certification process, emphasizing the importance of independent scrutiny in reducing technical risks and reinforcing stakeholder confidence in their engineering approach.