The South Korean government is introducing a new certification system for key components of large wind turbines. This initiative aims to reduce the burden on wind energy companies by minimizing the need for full turbine certifications whenever there are changes in tower height or specifications.
On July 30, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced the formal implementation of RNA KS certification for the core components of large wind turbines. RNA, which includes the rotor and nacelle, is crucial for determining the power generation performance and safety of wind turbines.
This regulatory change follows the announcement of a reform plan for the KS certification system during the Economic Affairs Ministers' meeting in February. The National Institute of Standards and Technology is promoting the RNA certification to align with the international renewable energy certification framework, IECRE.
Previously, the KS certification applied to entire wind turbines. As a result, even if the same RNA was used, any changes in tower height or specifications required a complete re-evaluation and certification of the turbine. This led to redundant assessments for the same RNA, increasing both the time and costs associated with certification. In fact, large wind turbine companies faced an average of 1,118 days from application to certification, creating significant burdens.
With the new RNA certification, companies can utilize existing certification results even if there are changes in specifications such as tower height. This is expected to reduce redundant reviews and assessments, thereby lowering certification time and costs. Applications for RNA KS certification will be accepted starting July 31 through the Korea Energy Agency, the designated certification body for large wind turbines.
The RNA certification will focus on functional and performance verification, as well as structural design evaluations of the RNA, excluding the tower structure design assessment. After obtaining RNA certification, companies can apply for wind turbine KS certification using existing assessment results for the nacelle, hub, and blades. However, if changes to the tower increase the load or affect the design, additional evaluations may be required.
This regulatory improvement is significant in alleviating certification bottlenecks in the domestic wind industry. Wind turbines may require different tower heights or specifications based on site conditions, and requiring full re-certification each time can slow down the commercialization process for companies. By reusing certification results for core components, uncertainties in product development and field application can be minimized.
Kim Dae-ja, head of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, stated, "The introduction of RNA KS certification reflects the opinions from the field and aims to ease the certification burden on companies. We will continue to improve the KS certification system to proactively respond to changes in the industrial environment."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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