The German Association of Offshore Wind Farm Operators (BWO) and vgbe energy (formerly VGB PowerTech) have teamed up on fire protection standards for offshore wind installations. The interdisciplinary working group has begun activities – the common standard is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023.
As the association points out, the fire standards are intended to ensure long-term safety of people, the environment and infrastructure in the offshore wind industry, and to reduce the effort and costs associated with the planning, construction and operation of offshore wind turbines.
Vgbe energy brings significant experience from creating and applying various other standards – including fire protection standards for onshore wind energy. Turbine manufacturers and relevant authorities will also be involved in the development of standards. An interdisciplinary working group has already started its work and the results will be known at the end of 2023.
The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) explicitly supports the project and is participating in an advisory capacity.