UL Selected by Siemens Gamesa to Conduct Certification Based on European Grid Code Compliance

UL, a global safety science leader, has awarded Grid Code Compliance Unit certification to Siemens Gamesa in Poland for its 2.X platform turbines, as well as component certificates for its Power Manager Unified Architecture power plant controller (PPC), according to both Polish (EqC/RoGA) and Spanish (NTS SEPE V2.1 and NTS SENP V1.1) grid codes.

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy engaged UL to certify a range of turbines in line with grid codes ahead of roll-out in Europe — with further certification work to begin this year. Certification by UL means that Siemens Gamesa can now sell and activate products in expanding markets in Poland and Spain.

In recent months, Spain and Poland have published their grid codes according to the European Requirement for Generators (EU) 2016/631 grid code. Grid operators require unit and component certificates to allow connection to the grids in these territories, where there is expected to be a surge in clean energy development.

The Polish Wind Energy Association estimates the country has the potential to develop up to 24 GW of onshore wind by 2035, while Spain is aiming to install 50 GW of capacity by 2030.

It is widely expected that renewables expansion in Europe will see additional countries adopting new certification standards for grid code compliance. According to WindEurope, around 105 GW of new wind energy capacity will be installed across the continent over the next five years.

UL is set to move forward with projects throughout 2022, including unit certification work on the Siemens Gamesa 5.X turbine platform according to German, United Kindgom (U.K.) and Spanish grid codes. Component certification for Siemens Gamesa’s power plant controller product will also be undertaken per German grid codes.

 “We have been delighted to work with UL,” said Julen Ortega Rodríguez, global certification technical project management at Siemens Gamesa. “Drawing upon their expertise, capabilities and accreditation for grid code compliance certification in the rapidly growing markets of Germany, Spain and Poland, as well as other European countries, they have certified two of our onshore wind turbine products and our power plant controller, helping us advance further towards a significant, renewable clean energy source.”

 “This is a critically important part in the rollout of renewable energy, as growth and momentum meet safety and certification,” said Guido Bröring, global head of UL’s Grid Integration group. “We are proud to be entrusted with undertaking this work for energy stakeholders globally. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Siemens Gamesa on compliance projects in the U.K., Germany and Spain early in 2022.”