DNV, a globally recognized independent expert and assurance provider in the energy sector, has been entrusted by the Iberdrola Group to conduct a comprehensive power curve verification at the Bay of St. Brieuc offshore wind farm.
This assessment will leverage cutting-edge nacelle LiDAR technology to accurately measure and validate the farm’s power generation capabilities.
Brittany’s Pioneering Offshore Wind Installation
Located 16 km from Cap Fréhel in the Côtes-d’Armor district, the Bay of St. Brieuc wind farm stands as a landmark project. Not only is it the first large-scale offshore wind power installation in Brittany, a region famed for its robust winds and tides, but it is also the second such facility in France dedicated to producing clean energy.
Developed by Ailes Marines, a subsidiary of Iberdrola, this 62-turbine farm became fully operational in May 2024. With an impressive total installed capacity of 496 MW, the wind farm is poised to significantly bolster the region’s clean energy supply.
It is projected to generate enough green electricity to power approximately 835,000 homes, thus meeting 9% of the region’s total energy consumption.
DNV’s Rigorous Power Curve Verification
DNV’s power curve verification project entails a meticulous approach. It encompasses the design, commissioning, and execution of a power performance measurement (PPM) campaign for three turbines, ensuring the installation of all necessary equipment adheres to stringent accreditation standards.
Prior to deployment, the LiDAR will undergo calibration at DNV’s specialized testing facility in Germany to ensure compliance with the updated IEC 61400-50-3:2022 standard.
This standard specifically permits the utilization of nacelle-mounted LiDAR (NML) in performance assessments, a domain where DNV possesses extensive expertise.
Enhancing Accuracy and Efficiency
The power curve verification is of paramount importance as it will enable Iberdrola to precisely align the actual energy production of the wind farm with initial projections.
This alignment, in turn, will substantially improve the accuracy of the economic models associated with the wind farm. The initiative not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to broader sustainable development goals.
DNV’s Leadership in Wind Energy Technology
Santiago Blanco, Executive Vice President and Regional Director for Energy Systems at DNV, emphasized the company’s leading role in this field, stating, “DNV is one of the pioneers in power performance measurement using nacelle LiDAR technology.
This project showcases our ability to leverage advanced technologies and adhere to stringent industry standards in wind energy. We are dedicated to advancing safety and performance, setting industry benchmarks, and developing solutions to address the global energy transformation.”
Iberdrola’s Commitment to Monitoring and Optimization
Jérôme Dumont, Offshore Wind Resource Manager at Iberdrola, highlighted the company’s commitment to optimizing the wind farm’s performance, stating, “Following the full commissioning of Saint Brieuc offshore wind farm, Iberdrola/Ailes Marines is looking forward to monitoring wind conditions and performance of the asset with the help of nacelle LIDAR technology.
We expect that the experience and expert knowledge of DNV, one of the key players in power curve testing, will allow for a successful and instructive measurement campaign, based on up-to-date standards and technology.”