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  • Press Release

Underwriters Laboratories launches new services for wind turbine certification

May 4, 2009

NORTHBROOK, Ill., May 4, 2009 -- Underwriters Laboratories, a world leader in product safety testing and certification, announced that it will soon begin offering the testing and certification of wind turbines in accordance with new UL standard requirements for safety.  UL's new service, offered in partnership with Germanischer Lloyd (GL), a leading wind energy equipment certification organization, will provide wind turbine manufacturers around the world with complete safety compliance for both U.S. and IEC requirements. This service will allow UL's customers accelerated access to the global market.

UL's evaluation and support will cover the entire wind turbine, including components and assemblies, and qualify products to carry the UL Classified mark. UL's work with turbines will be based at its Northbrook facilities but the company also intends to offer field evaluation services globally, also supported by GL.

"UL has been working with manufacturers for some time to certify wind turbine components. This new, expanded service will enable manufacturers to apply for system certification which covers electrical and fire safety for the entire turbine," said Jeff Smidt, Global Manager of Underwriters Laboratories Global Energy Business.  "UL's comprehensive wind turbine service will enable companies to serve the global energy market through a process that is designed to minimize the time and resources they must dedicate to project administration and management."

While comprehensive, the portfolio of services is also flexible, enabling manufacturers to choose the level of evaluation they need based on differences in turbines and their intended location and use.  "We encourage manufacturers to contact UL to determine the best way to meet their individual certification needs," said Smidt.

UL has published two Outlines of Investigation for the Wind industry and it expects to release new standard requirements in the future. These standard requirements will be the first to evaluate the fire and electrical safety of wind turbines, and represent UL's latest investment into its renewable energy business.

In addition to its investments in the wind power portfolio of services, UL is also actively pursuing business opportunities in other forms of renewable energy.  The company recently established new photovoltaic testing facilities in two key solar markets, San Jose, California and Suzhou, China.

"UL will continue to invest in people and facilities to support the dynamic alternative energy industries.  Doing so continues UL's legacy of advancing safety by staying at the forefront of emerging technologies," said Smidt.