Wind power is gaining more importance in the quest for renewable energy sources. More and more wind parks are now situated offshore, where the winds blow harder and where wind farms do not interfere with the surrounding landscape.
However, offshore wind farms involve new risks and challenges. The location’s water depth, soil, wave, current and ice conditions are likewise considered as critical parameters. Therefore a fit-for-service approval is necessary to assure the wind farm performs as intended.
Belgium is at the forefront of installing offshore wind farms and is among the first European Union (EU) member states to operate large offshore wind farms in the North Sea.
Since 2003, SGS Statutory Services Belgium (SGS SSB) has been an Authorized Inspection Body in the Walloons and Flemish markets for onshore installations. With the increasing development of offshore wind farms in the Belgian North Sea, SGS SSB decided to become also an authorized inspection body in order to be able to inspect and certify offshore wind farms.
On October 16, 2009, SGS SSB was finally accredited as Authorized Inspection Organization (AIO) by the Belgian Federal Minister of Energy, for the certification of Belgian offshore installations for the production of electricity from renewable energy sources. The accreditation required intensive training of SGS inspectors and passing a technical audit performed by the Belgian Accreditation Body (BELAC).
SGS SSB is proud to be now in a position to inspect and certify offshore installations. After
verifying that the installations meet all technical requirements, SGS SSB provides a
For further information, please contact: Jessica Krause, Global Marketing Manager – SGS Industrial Services, SGS SA, 1place des Alpes, P.O. Box 2152, CH - 1211 Geneva 1
Tel : +49 40 30101-266 Fax :+49 40 30101-936 E-mail: industrial.pr@sgs.com Web site: www.sgs.com/industrial
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