Kiwa inspector performing wind turbine inspecton giving two thumbs up while standing on the wind turbine

Wind Testing, Inspection and Certification Services

With the rise of electricity, the first initiatives to generate electricity using wind also originated. Nowadays wind turbines have become an integral part of the energy supply and deliver a substantial part of the total energy consumed. Currently the growth is picking up even faster to become less dependent on energy from natural gas. The total global investments expected in order to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 are estimated at 5 billion dollars per year, of which a large part will invested in wind power.

Kiwa offers an extensive portfolio of services for the wind energy sector. Onshore as well as offshore: from foundations, masts, rotor blades, alternators and mechanical parts to complete projects: from design phase to use and, ultimately, dismantling. The emphasis lies on lifts, cranes, anchors and safety equipment, fire protection, pressure equipment (accumulators for safety brakes during strong winds), gears (if not direct drive) and inspection of bolted connections.

Kiwa supports a safe and reliable wind turbine operation through the use of the Aerones robotic inspections system. Check the video below for more info.

Technical advisory, due diligence and power output estimation

We support our clients with instrumental analyses on operating wind energy plants, as well as regarding the ones still in the process of realization, cooperating actively with leading banks and investment funds, as well as with those who require an independent audit to protect their energy investments.

Two workers standing and pointing on a windmill field

Wind testing and inspection services

To assure efficient and safe operation of the turbines, regular testing and inspection is logically of the high importance. Kiwa is specialized in all types of technical analysis, (drone) inspection and non-destructive testing (NDT).

Environmental testing

In recent years the amount of wind energy sites has been steadily growing, but also has the reluctance from communities grown to have not have these sites in their backyard. To support growth of renewable energy and specifically wind power support is needed from local communities.

Windmill field with blue sky

Lifetime Extension of Wind Turbines

The usual design lifetime of a wind turbine is 20 years, so what happens when maintenance costs increase and/or innovation brings more efficient turbines? This is where repowering and lifetime extension come into play.

Floating Wind Turbines and Offshore Wind Services

At Kiwa, we provide comprehensive support for both operational and developing wind farms. Our services include instrumental analyses, independent audits, and advanced digital solutions to safeguard your investments.

Many wind farms have now been in operation for a while and are starting to notice wear and ageing. For plant managers, this means an increased challenge to ensure that the wind farms continue to produce renewable energy efficiently. This means that maintenance, inspections and upgrades are becoming increasingly important.

Wind turbine inspection is important to ensure their smooth and efficient operation. You have to prevent blade erosion; the surface ages bit by bit, and as a result, over a turbine’s lifetime, less and less energy is generated.