Combined certification capabilities open up more markets for Intertek's customers

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill.--Intertek is the leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide. The company today announced that it completed combined certification projects for Sonkyo Energy's Windspot 3.5kw small wind turbine according to the United Kingdom's Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) standard 9.1.

Wind turbine installations are on the rise, globally, specifically in the UK. The recent renewal of the Production Tax Credit in the US and the growing support from government agencies around the world is driving innovation and production in this industry. The recent report from the EWEA highlighted the fact that Eastern European countries are now in fact, an emerging market for small wind.

For manufacturers in the wind industry, these conditions make global access essential to the success of renewable energy products. Intertek's network of offices and strategic relationships across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific create efficiencies for manufacturers in the wind energy industry. Intertek has the unique capability to issue combined certifications. This makes it possible for customers like Sonkyo Energy, to access global markets including Canada, the US, the UK and Japan faster and more cost-efficiently. "We are very grateful for the high commitment shown by Intertek and the very demanding conditions our wind turbines have been subject to in order to prove the compliance of Windspot wind turbines with the highest performance and quality requirements and get the certification" said Iñigo Portillo, General Manager, Sonkyo Energy.

Following the completion of this successful project, Sonkyo Energy will be eligible to bear the widely recognized ETL Certification mark for small wind turbines and access both North American and U.K. markets. Intertek's certifications of Windspot's power curve, annual production and reliability allow the turbine to be eligible for all incentives and financial benefits in the U.S.A. as well as for UK government financial incentives such as the Feed In Tariff (FIT). To view details from the reports please visit the Sonkyo Energy certification page.

"The successful completion of this project sets a positive tone for the future relationship between Sonkyo Energy and Intertek." said Troy Hewitt, Intertek's Global Business Line Leader for Wind Energy, "Intertek is excited to partner with Sonkyo Energy as they enter new markets and continue to advance."

The testing of Sonkyo's Windspot 3.5 kw turbine was performed in partnership with CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas) and CEDER (Centro de Desarrollo de Energías Renovables), at CIEMAT facilities in Soria (Spain).

For more information, you can also view our certification directory that lists all turbines under contract with Intertek for small wind certification.

About Intertek

Intertek is the leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide. From auditing and inspection, to testing, training, advisory, quality assurance and certification, Intertek adds value to customers' products, processes and assets. With a network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 35,000 people in more than 100 countries, Intertek supports companies' success in a global marketplace. Intertek helps its customers to meet end users' expectations for safety, sustainability, performance, integrity and desirability in virtually any market worldwide. Visit www.intertek.com.