WINDPOWER
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
FIRST-TIME WIND DEVELOPERS: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUILD By Jay Haley, PE, principal in charge of wind energy; EAPC
Know the opposition. Establishing strong local connections and community support for a wind project is often the best way to anticipate and avoid opposition that may threaten land leases, project permits, and wind-farm financing. Permitting bodies also tend to look more favorably upon projects that have strong local support and participation, so being proactive can successfully impact a new wind project.
SO YOU’VE FOUND AN IDEAL LOCATION TO BUILD A WIND FARM and are considering life as a wind developer. How difficult could it be, right? Before jumping into the industry with both feet, first consider the many phases and nuisances involved with moving a wind project forward. Wind development comes with unique and often subtle development challenges that can easily make or break a project. A full understanding of those subtle industry differences can save time, costs, and potential pitfalls when developing a wind farm. Development phases Wind-farm development is a complex process. As a project progresses through the various stages of development, there are many opportunities for mistakes that can seriously affect the final
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outcome and success of a wind farm. In fact, some of the biggest mistakes in wind development begin in the early stages and are difficult to overcome as the project progresses. The typical phases of wind-farm development are: • Prospecting and land securing • Wind-resource assessment • Interconnection and transmission studies • Wind-farm design and permitting • Power purchase agreements • Financing • Procurement • Construction and operations.
WINDPOWER ENGINEERING & DEVELOPMENT — 2018 RENEWABLE ENERGY GUIDEBOOK
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windpowerengineering.com
12/19/17 6:00 PM