Lloyd’s Register to start certification process of Carnegie’s CETO wave energy converter

Marine classification society, Lloyd’s Register, has been contracted by Australian wave energy developer, Carnegie Clean Energy, to begin the certification process for CETO, a fully submerged point absorber wave energy converter (WEC).

Lloyd’s Register will assess Carnegie’s CETO WEC according to IEC TS 62600-4 and the International Electrotechnical Commission’s Renewable Energy System (IECRE) operational document, OD 310-4.

A team of six discipline specialists will focus on different aspects of the assessment, adhering to IEC and ISO standards. The initial focus will be on evaluating the novel aspects of the WEC through the IECRE technology qualification process, which will result in an IECRE feasibility statement, said Lloyd’s Register.

The IECRE technology qualification process is based on IECRE OD 310-4 and involves verification and validation of the technology. According to Lloyd’s Register, the verification component of the process concludes with an IECRE feasibility statement, while that from validation ends with an IECRE conformity statement for technology qualification.

Once the technology qualification process is completed, Carneige’s WEC can move on to formal certification through other IECRE marine energy certification processes, including stages like prototype and type certification.

“With a surge in interest for an IECRE certification for marine energy converters, it is positive I am delighted to recognise Carnegie Clean Energy’s interest in pursuing a certification through the conformity assessment system for their WEC,” said Winston D’Souza, Global Technical Authority for Offshore Renewables at Lloyd’s Register.

“As the only IECRE RECB with a scope to assess this WEC in accordance with applicable international standards and processes, Lloyd’s Register is delighted to provide singularly qualified to provide guidance and applicable services required for Carnegie Clean Energy to meet its requirements to operate in the intended geographical regions.”

CETO is a fully submerged, point absorber type wave energy technology device. A submerged buoy sits a few meters below the surface and moves with the ocean’s waves. The orbital motion drives a power take-off (PTO) system that converts the motion into electricity.

“Partnering with Lloyd’s Register on this process is an important step forward in CETO development. Carnegie’s pursuit of IECRE certification for its CETO device is a strategic step in CETO’s commercialisation pathway providing multifaceted benefits,” added Carnegie’s Chief Technology Officer, Alexandre Pichard.

“By aligning CETO with international standards, the company is moving towards wider adoption of the technology and a future where wave energy is a competitive solution in our global energy mix.”

Through its wholly-owned subsidiary CETO Wave Energy Ireland (CWEI), Carnegie recently received a progress payment of €251,100 under the EuropeWave Phase 3 contract. The EuropeWave contract is part of the ACHIEVE Program, facilitating the first deployment of CETO in Europe. 

In February 2021, Lloyd’s Register conducted a survey to assess the growing need for certification in the marine energy sector and to guide the development of related services by certification bodies and test facilities. In November of the same year, the marine classification society received approval from IECRE to certify complex hybrid renewable energy projects that integrate multiple technologies, such as wind, wave, and tidal energy.