GE Renewable Energy has reported that its prototype Haliade-X 12 MW has obtained a provisional form certificate from DNV-GL.

This certification demonstrates GE’s Haliade-X prototype has high safety and quality standards, and provides evidence that its design is on-track to meet the full type certification requirements. 

The 107-meter long blade testing activities currently taking place at the UK Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult in Blyth and at the US Wind Technology Testing Center in Boston will continue as planned to complete the documentation required to obtain the full type certificate.

“This is a very important milestone for us as it confirms the robustness of our Haliade-X 12 MW design, and gives certainty to our current and future customers who believe in the attributes of our platform. When we introduced the Haliade-X 12 MW we established a new paradigm in the industry, and we will continue to do so by innovating, improving, and introducing new features to our Haliade-X platform, making offshore wind a more affordable and competitive source of renewable energy.”

John Lavelle, CEO of offshore wind at GE Renewable Energy.

“GE’s Haliade-X 12 MW is a significant breakthrough for the offshore wind industry. Developing new and innovative technology always brings an element of uncertainty and risk. Type certification is a vital measure to demonstrate that new turbines will operate safely, reliably and according to requirements and we are proud to provide our offshore wind expertise to this important new technology development and support our customers enter into new markets.”

Dr. Kim Moerk, executive vice president for renewables certification at DNV GL.

GE’s Haliade-X technology will power more than 5 million households in the US and UK.

One GE Haliade-X 12 MW offshore wind turbine is capable of generating up to 67 GWh of annual gross energy production, providing enough clean energy to power 16.000 European households, and saving up to 42.000 metric tons of CO2, which is the equivalent of 9.000 vehicle emissions in one year.