DNV conducts power curve verification at Bay of St. Brieuc offshore wind farm using advanced nacelle lidar technology

The farm is located 16 kilometres from Cap Fréhel in the Bay of Saint-Brieuc in the Côtes-d’Armor region. It is the first large offshore wind farm in Brittany – a region famous for its strong winds and high tides that have historically shaped the landscape and economy – and the second in France to produce clean energy.

Developed by Ailes Marines, a subsidiary of Iberdrola, the 62-turbine farm has been fully operational since May 2024. With a total installed capacity of 496 MW, the wind farm is expected to significantly increase the supply of clean energy in the region, generating enough green electricity to power around 835,000 homes, covering 9 percent of the region’s total consumption.

DNV’s Power Curve Verification Project involves the design, commissioning and execution of a Power Performance Measurement (PPM) campaign for three turbines, along with the installation of all necessary equipment to ensure that the campaign meets accreditation standards. Prior to implementation, the lidars will be calibrated at DNV’s test facility in Germany to comply with the updated IEC 61400-50-3:2022 standard.

This standard allows for the use of nacelle-mounted lidar (NML) in performance assessments, an area in which DNV has significant experience. Power curve verification will enable Iberdrola to match actual energy production to initial forecasts, improving the accuracy of economic models for the wind farm. The initiative increases operational efficiency and supports broader sustainability goals.

“DNV is one of the pioneers in power performance measurement using nacelle lidar technology,” said Santiago Blanco, Executive Vice President and Regional Director, Power Systems, DNV. “This project demonstrates our ability to leverage advanced technologies and adhere to rigorous industry standards in wind power. We are committed to improving safety and efficiency, setting industry standards and developing solutions to address the global energy transformation.”

In the case of the St. Brieuc Bay wind farm, the data provided by DNV will be crucial to understanding and optimizing the performance of the wind assets, setting a benchmark for other future offshore wind projects.

With this collaboration, DNV and Iberdrola demonstrate their commitment to innovation and excellence in renewable energy. The successful implementation of the nacelle lidar technology at the Bay of St. Brieuc offshore wind farm will not only strengthen the region’s energy independence, but will also significantly contribute to global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable energy solutions. This project is proof of the potential of cutting-edge technology to transform the energy landscape and pave the way for a greener future.

“Once the Saint Brieuc Offshore Wind Farm is fully operational, Iberdrola/Ailes Marines is looking forward to monitoring wind conditions and asset performance using the LIDAR nacelle technology,” added Jérôme Dumont, Offshore Wind Resource Manager at Iberdrola. “We expect that the experience and expertise of DNV, one of the key players in power curve testing, will enable a successful and informative measurement campaign, based on current standards and technology.”

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