An all-new global wind farm Technical Specification has been accepted for development by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The new TS will be designated IEC TS 61400-28, Through life management and life extension of wind farms. It introduces the concept of independent verification of the strategies for equipment maintenance throughout the entire life-cycle of a wind farm.
Tabling the proposal at IEC's Technical Committee (TC-88) in Glasgow (pictured), LRQA's Dr Mark Spring said, "It's clear that increasing standardisation has already had a dramatic impact on reducing uncertainty for all wind farm stakeholders and helping to reduce the cost of electricity generated from wind. The new IEC Technical Specification will build on that."
Al Mackinnon, Chair of the British Standards Institute's UK shadow committee, PEL-88, said "I am delighted that the UK is once again showing Leadership in the development of Industry leading international Standards. LRQA's support in the defining of the work scope and in particular Mark's contribution has been instrumental in getting the proposal agreed internationally. This is a very important step towards the growth of wind power, by reducing costs and increasing confidence."