Benefits highlighted by the latest small wind turbine certification
NEL the leading technology services organisation, has announced the latest MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification of a small wind turbine.
As one of the first certification bodies to certify a small wind turbine to the IEC 64100 series of international standards NEL is delighted to have worked with Gaia-Wind to achieve full MCS certification of its Gaia-Wind 11kW machine - a requirement of receiving the UK FIT (Feed-in Tariff).
NEL, a UKAS accredited Testing (to ISO 17025) and Certification (to EN 45011) Body, awarded Gaia-Wind the MCS Certificate following successful completion of a rigorous testing phase both at the National Wind Energy Centre at Myres Hill near Eaglesham, Glasgow, and also from work carried out in the USA by NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) in Colorado.
Alistair Mackinnon, NEL's business manager- small wind, said: "We are delighted to have awarded this latest MCS Certificate to Gaia-Wind as testament to the rigour of the MCS process and Gaia-Wind's demonstration of meeting these exacting requirements."
Managing director of Gaia-Wind, Johnnie Andringa said: "This is a huge breakthrough for Gaia-Wind. MCS recognises that our unique two blade wind turbine has been rigorously tested, that we are at the cutting edge of small wind technology and that our products and systems are absolutely fit for purpose. For our customers it means they can be assured of receiving the Feed-in Tariff that is so important."
In January 2010, NEL was awarded a contract by DECC (Department for Energy and Climate Change) to install a number of additional test pads at its National Wind Energy Centre to help expedite the time consuming testing requirement. At the same time a research and development project was commissioned to investigate how the testing and certification process could be streamlined and improved. NEL will be reporting to DECC on the outcomes of this R&D project later this month.
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MCS is a UK Government owned scheme administered by Gemserv that offers consumers confidence in a micro renewable energy device. The requirements laid out in MCS for small wind turbines are extremely onerous and call upon both the BWEA Small Wind Performance and Safety Standard in addition to a number of parts of the IEC International Standards and include amongst other areas power performance, acoustic performance, safety and function and durability.
About NEL:
NEL, the trading name of TUV SUD NEL Ltd, is a part of the TÜV SÜD Group, a leading international service organisation. With over 15,000 employees, it is represented worldwide at more than 600 locations. With a successful track record of more than five decades delivering world class innovative solutions to difficult problems we provide services, solutions and technology to clients across many industries including oil & gas, government, renewable and sustainable energy on a local and a global basis. NEL has operated a wind turbine test site at Myres Hill, 10 km from its offices in East Kilbride since the early 1980's.
About Gaia-Wind Ltd:
Gaia-Wind Ltd is a manufacturer of world leading high performance Small Wind Turbines, servicing farms, large residences, small businesses, and public buildings. The company has offices in Glasgow and Denmark, and has appointed distributors in England, Ireland, Italy and the US.
For media enquiries contact:
Rhea Hussey,
+44 1224 628 095
rhea@fifthring.com
© Press Release 2011
