Lloyd’s Register Starts Certification for World’s Largest Tidal Energy Converter

Lloyd’s Register and Orbital Marine Power have started the process to certify the world’s largest tidal energy converter (TEC), known as the O2-X. Lloyd’s Register, a company that specializes in renewable energy certification, will lead the assessment to ensure the O2-X meets international safety and performance standards. Once completed, this tidal energy converter will be able to produce 2.4 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity, which is enough to power many homes.

The certification process will follow a set of rules created by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), a global group that sets standards for energy and technology. These rules are designed to make sure that new energy devices, like the O2-X, are safe and effective. Lloyd’s Register has brought together a team of ten experts to carefully check the O2-X against these international standards. The goal is to ensure that the O2-X is ready for operation and can be safely used in different tidal energy projects around the world.

The certification process has several steps. First, the experts will verify that the O2-X design can work as expected. Once they are sure, they will provide a statement that says the technology is feasible, meaning it can work in real-world situations. The next step is validation, which confirms that the O2-X meets all the required standards. After this, the O2-X will move to formal certification stages, including prototype and full-type certifications, which allow the device to be built and operated on a larger scale.

Winston D’Souza, who leads offshore renewable projects at Lloyd’s Register, said he is happy that Orbital Marine Power has chosen to follow this certification process. He believes it will help ensure that the O2-X can be used safely in different parts of the world. He added that Lloyd’s Register is proud to be the only company that can provide this kind of assessment.

Calum Miller, an engineer at Orbital Marine Power, said they are excited to start this important step in making the O2-X ready for production. The O2-X is designed to work in a variety of tidal conditions, which makes it suitable for many different locations. He also said that starting the certification process now shows how ready the O2-X is for large-scale production. Miller also emphasized the importance of having independent experts, like Lloyd’s Register, involved in the process. Their expertise helps build trust with investors and ensures the O2-X can move into full production soon.

The certification of the O2-X is an important step in developing clean energy from tidal sources. By ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the O2-X, Lloyd’s Register and Orbital Marine Power are helping pave the way for a future where tidal energy can play a bigger role in providing sustainable power.