Planning Wind Projects

WORK in PROGRESS

A graphic will later be inserted that explains the agreed structure on the portal's start page, i.e. the phases of a Wind energy project.

Source: http://www.wwindea.org/technology/ch02/imgs/2_1_img1_EN.jpg

TERNA offers its partners know-how and experience. In
order to initiate wind power projects, favourable sites must
be identified and their wind energy potential ascertained.
To do this, wind measurements are normally taken over a
period of at least twelve months and wind reports are drawn
up. If promising wind speeds are found, the next step is to
conduct project studies investigating the technical design
and economic feasibility. TERNA also provides advice to
partners on matters of finance, thus closing the gap between
potential investors and offers of funding from national and
international donors. If required, CDM baseline studies can
be prepared and advice can be offered to potential operators
on setting up an efficient operator structure. In order to
ensure as much transfer of know-how as possible, efforts
are made to ensure cooperation between international and
local experts, for example when preparing the studies. (3e_TERNA-Study-2004)

 

Article is based on Wind energy basic guidelines der EWEA

Site selection

The initial site selection is the first phase in the development of any wind energy project. In this phase appropriate sites should be identified and their wind potentials should be estimated. By identifying environmental, technical, commercial and political constraints of the sites the project developer can decide whether a more extensive feasibility study should be conducted. As a starting point many developers visit the possible project sites, gathering first impressions about topography and infrastructure (roads, dwellings, grid-connection). A central task in this phase, available environmental and technical data must be collected.

Technical and economical considerations

The “desk-based” studies for site selection are conducted to decide whether site characteristics fulfil crucial technical criteria for the successful development of a wind project.

• The developer will usually identify sites with sufficient potential for a suitable wind resource by using a combination of maps of the area, results of computer modelling, meteorological offices (airports, harbours, farming), or data from university departments dealing with wind energy. Promising values are average wind speeds above 6 m/s.
• The local electricity distribution system has to be examined by available plans and consultation of the local electricity company. The dialogue with this company reveals whether an electrical connection to the sites under consideration is technically and commercially feasible, because the company can give an indication of the likely costs of the wind project connection to the grid.
• The local road network must be suitable to provide access for big transportation vessels. An initial investigation will will give an idea of the necessary extensions for the wind project.
  
• Site ownership must be considered
  
• Potential investors: It is essential to determine the amount of equity put into the project at the beginning gaining an idea of the financial possibilities.
  
• The legal body for the operation of the wind turbine generators must be chosen: The choice depends partly on the number of people involved in the project. In general a larger number of people (e.g. a community as a whole) is a great advantage for the development of the wind project. A limited liability, a co-operative, or a joint-venture with a local energy company are feasible alternatives.
  

Environmental considerations for the site selection

To gain information about the feasibility of a wind project within the constraints of environmental protection at potential sites, the developer has to consult local planning authorities for reports, maps and studies about the environmental status of the proposed site: This status includes information about ecological designations concerning areas or protected species. Due to the relatively long time period necessary for developing a wind project, also changes in the environmental policy and planned but not yet realised protected areas have to be taken into account.

Besides this 'purely environmental' issues the considerations have to cover the following aspects of the site:•

• Visual Aspects: The visibility of the proposed project from important public viewpoints has to be checked.
• The distance to domestic dwellings should be sufficient to avoid disturbance of the inhabitants by noise, shadow flicker, visual domination or reflected light.
• Recreational uses: Development plans of local planning authorities have to be checked for sites and areas dedicated to recreational use.
• Civil and military airports: local airport authority have to be consulted.
• Proximity of Archaeological / historical heritage sites could be constraints for the development of a wind project
• Telecommunications: As wind turbines can affect microwave connections, TV, radar or radio transmissions adversely, position of masts and other infrastructure must be investigated.
• Restricted areas: military installations but also telecommunications installations can be reasons for restrictions for the development of wind projects in the surrounding area
  

Dialogue and Consultation

At this stage of a project, dialogue with local authorities has to be opened to gather information and to define the major issues related to the planning process which have to be discussed in more detail in the following planning phases. The officers of the local authorities may also recommend other consultants with experiences in wind energy development in the area.

Project feasibility
Detailed assessment
Planning application
Construction
Operation
Decomissioning

Portal:Wind