Nurturing Offshore Wind Markets: Good practices for international standardisation

As the offshore wind power generation spreads to more countries, standardisation can help to overcome market barriers and spur further deployment. Initial experience in the sector has come mostly from mature energy markets, such as Denmark, Germany and the United Kingdom.

This report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) examines those three established markets, along with a key emerging market, China. The analysis highlights the development of standards and the best practices for new markets to adopt.   

Download the Executive Summary

Among the findings:

• Widely recognised standards can strengthen trade, enhance co-operation through international organisations, and increase consumer confidence.
• Successful implementation depends on quality infrastructure, including metrology, testing, certification and accreditation schemes.
• Comprehensive standardisation involves cross-cutting work related to local policy, marine conditions, offshore wind technologies, and offshore oil and gas experience.
• Existing standards largely reflect the requirements of the European offshore wind industry.
• Health and safety standards for the industry need to be harmonised.
• Further work is also needed on standards for control systems, operation and maintenance, shipping, stowage and clamping of wind turbine components, and wind farm end-of-life procedures.