UL Gets 1st Accreditation in India for Testing Grid Code as per CEA Standards

Illinois-based global safety certification provider UL LLC has received accreditation from Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (DAkkS) that enables it to test renewable energy power plants per Central Electricity Authority (CEA) of India grid codes.

The recognition further complements an existing DAkkS accreditation of DEWI Offshore and Certification Centre GmbH (DEWI-OCC), an independent certification body within UL, to provide certification for renewable energy power generating units and plants according to CEA grid codes.

Moreover, the main objective of CEA’s new regulations is to improve grid stability and applies to all renewable energy power generating units and plants including wind, solar, hybrid and energy storage systems.

The company has received DAkkS accreditation for testing compliance to grid codes prevailing in India, Germany, Spain, Italy, Europe and the UK.

Moreover, in India, mandatory testing is required for wind turbines, solar inverters and energy storage systems manufactured by domestic and international companies before commissioning in power plants.

Commenting on the accreditation, Dr. Chakradhar Byreddy, Director for Renewables in Asia Pacific for UL, said that, “we are delighted on becoming the first organization to be accredited by DAkkS for prototype testing according to the CEA grid codes. With this accreditation, we can enable manufacturers in India to achieve compliance and help ensure renewable energy plants safely transmit power to the grid. At UL, we will continue to empower the manufacturers by providing the necessary prototype testing capabilities, customized solutions for grid integration and energy systems and advisory based on our understanding of global grid codes.”

Meanwhile, the company will facilitate field-testing for wind turbine manufacturers as per the CEA regulations by using its mobile test laboratories while the solar inverter manufacturers can avail the testing services in the field or at their manufacturing units.