Accelerating rotor blade certification
TestItTo23 - a joint industry project to transform wind turbine blade testing and certification
The TestItTo23 joint industry project (JIP) is an industry-wide initiative led by DNV to optimize the design and certification process of rotor blades for wind turbines. It aims to shorten the time-to-market, enhance reliability, and streamline certification through smarter and more efficient testing methods.
The industry challenge
Today’s certification process for rotor blades is complex and time-consuming —often stretching over two years, with full-scale testing alone lasting up to 12 months. While sub-component testing is a recognized tool to evaluate critical blade features, current standards offer limited guidance beyond blade root connections.
Our vision
TestItTo23 proposes a modular and parallelized approach to rotor blade certification that breaks away from traditional linear methods. By focusing on critical areas of interest such as spar caps, root connections and adhesive bonding, the project will enable bespoke sub-component tests that accelerate certification, improve structural insight, and increase design flexibility.
Why it matters
By modernizing blade certification practices, TestItTo23 delivers tangible value:
- Accelerated certification timelines
- Reduced testing and development costs
- Improved structural reliability
- Certification of blade families and turbine platforms
Industry collaboration for future standards
The project aligns with key certification frameworks including IEC 61400-5, IEC 61400-23, and DNV-ST-0376 to push for more flexible and effective certification routes.
Working together with industry stakeholders, TestItTo23 will define robust, scalable practices that can be adopted into future standards —helping blade OEMs, testing labs, and certification bodies stay ahead in a rapidly evolving wind energy sector.
Join the JIP
Be part of a project that is shaping the future of rotor blade design and certification. Collaborate with global experts, contribute to next generation testing standards, and drive innovation across the wind energy value chain. Express your interest here.