Question

When installing a wind turbine, what would take the longest time within the development phase of the project and why? (Prospecting, Measurement/Detailed Assessment, Siting, Engineering/Procurement, Financing)

Answer 1

Development

Development involves 2 phases:
- The completion of detailed studies
- Filing period and receipt of authorizations.

Detailed studies

• Impact study (or Environmental Impact Assessment – EIA)

It allows for an evaluation of the state of the site and the possible impact linked to the installation of a wind farm. It encompasses several elements and usually includes detailed studies on the landscape, avifauna, flora, archeology, acoustic, historical monuments or endangered or protected sites. Depending on the site, specific additional studies can be carried out.

• The evaluation of wind potential

In order to measure the wind conditions of the site, the Group sets up one or several masts that will collect data from various heights and over a period of several months. The information collected concerns the speed, the direction and the frequency of the wind but also the intensity of the turbulence that may provoke a premature aging of the installation.

• Site analysis

An analysis of a site using software to perform calculations and digital modeling allows for the choice of the most appropriate wind turbines (in terms of height, diameter of the rotor, capacity, etc.) as well as their location on the site. This phase is critical because it allows for a confirmation of the project’s economic feasibility but also for an optimization of the wind potential for the farm and an estimation of its future production.

• Technical studies

Technical studies deal with the access to the site, the installation of the machines, the ground studies, the design of access roads and crane pads, the possibilities for electricity connections, the internal electric network, etc.

During the development phase, numerous public meetings are organized to inform the local residents. The frequency of these meetings varies according to the project’s complexity. As well, each wind farm project is subject to preliminary consideration and dialogue regarding its environmental impact, particularly on the landscape and fauna.

Following all these steps, the ideal location for the turbines is defined and the construction permit is filed.

Filing period and the receipt of authorizations

The file for construction and operation authorizations is evaluated by different government services. During the filing, a public inquiry is held. It allows all of the local residents/citizens to become aware of the definitive project and to give their input.

permitting process takes long time to build during development phase.