South Korea speeds wind turbine certification with new RNA standard

Manufacturers to benefit from lower certification costs.

South Korea's Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) has introduced a separate Korean Industrial Standards (KS) certification for rotor-nacelle assemblies (RNA), a core component of medium and large wind turbines, to speed up certification for domestic manufacturers.

The new certification is part of the government's KS certification reform announced in February 2026 to align the system with the IEC System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Renewable Energy Applications (IECRE).

Previously, KS certification covered the entire wind turbine, requiring full reassessment whenever tower height or other specifications changed, even if the same RNA was used.

KATS said the process takes an average of 1,118 days and results in duplicate assessments, increasing certification time and costs.

Under the new system, certified RNAs can retain their certification even if tower height or other specifications change, reducing duplicate reviews, shortening certification timelines, and lowering costs.

Applications for RNA KS certification opened through the Korea Energy Agency on 31 July 2026.