Wind Feasibility Studies, Desktop Screening Reports & Site Finding Services
Renewables First provides a range of wind feasibility services to suit your particular requirements, from initial site finding and quick desktop screening reports to full feasibility studies. Click on the links below to jump to the relevant section:
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Wind Feasibility Study (WFS)
The Wind Feasibility Study is a detailed study into all of the key issues that determine whether a site is suitable for wind development. The aim is to conclude with a reasonable degree of certainty whether or not the project should move ahead into the more expensive wind development stages (i.e. planning and grid connection permission, wind monitoring etc.). The components of the wind feasibility study are described in more detail below.
Wind site survey
The site survey is primarily a data collection exercise and a chance to discuss the wind development options in more detail with the client. The site is ‘walked’ to get a good understanding of the layout and constraints, and the onsite and nearby electrical infrastructure is reviewed. The proposed access route for delivery vehicles is driven and videoed and nearby buildings are checked to see if they are residential, and if so to check window orientation (for shadow-flicker checks later). We also visit up to three key viewpoints and take pictures for the initial photomontages.
Site constraints mapping
This is a map of the site overlaid with all of the constraints that limit where the wind turbine(s) could be located, such as setbacks from power lines and roads, minimum separations from residential properties and ecological constraints (i.e. setbacks from hedgerows, etc.). The resulting map always shows a much smaller area suitable for wind turbines than most site owners thought, but it is a great tool for working out the wind development potential of the site.
Wind resource estimation
We use the standard online tools through the Carbon Trust website (and sometimes the older NOABL database), plus our own qualitative assessment of the local topography to estimate the mean wind speed at the site. We can then scale this to the appropriate wind turbine hub height ready for the performance modelling later in the process. Where possible we also find a nearby wind rose to show the prevailing wind directions, which is useful for working out the optimum wind turbine positioning.
Options appraisal
Based on all of the above, we work out what would be the most appropriate wind turbine(s) for the site along with the tower height and rotor diameter. There is rarely just one solution, and normally a range of options with various pros and cons. In the options appraisal we aim to outline the options and then by applying and considering the various constraints come up with the best all-round solution.
Recommended system specification and wind turbine layout
This is the result of the options appraisal; a written specification for the wind turbine(s) and a map showing where they would be located. At this point in the feasibility study we go back to the client to discuss the work to date and the conclusions so far. There is still scope at this point in the study to tweak things a bit to suit the client’s preferences. Once agreed, the more detailed modelling and analysis can start.
Grid connection appraisal
Based on the system specification, this work is carried out by a specialist grid connection consultancy. They look into the strength of the electrical distribution infrastructure around the site and recommend how it could be connected, and estimate the likely cost of any grid upgrades required.
Initial access assessment
This is desktop-based, but uses special software tools we have developed ourselves to work out the best route from the nearest sea port to the site. The two key issues are getting around tight bends and over weak bridges. We check the route for both, and highlight where issues exist and suggest possible mitigation options.
Initial shadow flicker assessment
We build the wind project in WindPRO modelling software based on the digital topographical map of the area. Nearby neighbours are then identified and the initial ‘worst case’ shadow flicker modelling completed. This is useful data to have to hand during any initial discussions with neighbours and the Local Authority.
Initial noise modelling
Using the same WindPRO model and wind turbine noise data from the manufacturer, we can then do the initial noise modelling to see what the noise levels would be at all points around the site. This is done to the latest IEC / ETSU standards. It is ‘worst case’ because it doesn’t include any background noise data or additional noise attenuation (from trees etc.). Again this is valuable data for the initial discussions with local stakeholders and helps when specifying the more detailed noise modelling required at the planning stage.
Photomontages
Again using WindPRO, these are produced from three key locations that were agreed with the client during the site survey. These give an accurate illustration of what the wind turbine(s) will look like, which again are essential when talking to neighbours and the planning authorities.
Initial planning checks / consultation
We use one of several specialist planning consultancies to check the regional and Local Authority planning policy in regard to wind turbines, check for proximity to other wind developments, check all statutory landscape and ecological designations on and around the site and call the local authority to discuss the likelihood of gaining planning consent for the proposed project (note this is done without disclosing the site location). Based on the results of this an estimate of the likelihood of making a successful planning application is made.
Initial communication and aviation consultations
The initial statutory communications consultations are made for scanning and fixed-link telecommunications. In parallel we make the necessary initial aviation checks for NATS radar, MOD initial consultation, line-of-site checks for all known military radar and checks on nearby airports and aerodromes.
Performance modelling / energy production estimate
We use the WindPRO model of the site and specify the turbine(s) type and location, then apply the estimated wind resource data to produce a realistic estimate of the expected energy production from the system. This data feeds into the Financial Analysis.
Budget cost estimate
We make realistic estimates for planning fees (including supporting surveys), grid connection upgrades, site preparation (access, on-site roads etc.), wind monitoring and groundworks for the turbine. For the turbine we have accurate budget quotes from all of the major manufacturers and/or can use real costs from ongoing projects. The result is a realistic budget estimate for the whole project, broken down into the key project stages.
Financial analysis
This section takes the performance modelling and links this to the relevant Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) and likely export rate, and includes any revenue offsetting potential by supplying on-site loads to produce a gross income estimate for the next 20 years. Then the likely maintenance, business rates and insurance costs are applied to produce estimated net revenue. This is then linked to the budget cost estimate, including modelling the up-front costs at the correct time intervals to produce a detailed summary of the financial performance of the project. It clearly shows the up-front investment required, when income could be expected to be received, when break-even is achieved and the annual income thereafter. The data is also presented as an ‘Internal Rate of Return’ (IRR).
Recommendation and next steps to progress the project
We provide an overall summary of the proposed project and estimate the likelihood of success. If there are any issues these are highlighted and steps to mitigate them proposed. Assuming the recommendation is to proceed, the next steps are described in more detail and budget costs provided.
The results are presented in a concise but detailed report, both as a paper copy and electronically as a .pdf document.
Wind feasibility study price
The price varies depending on the expected number of turbines to reflect the increased WindPRO modelling required for multiple-turbine sites:
- Singe turbine sites £4,000
- 2 to 3 turbines £4,750
- 4 to 5 turbines £5,500
All prices are plus travel costs and VAT.
For larger sites please contact us for a bespoke quote.
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Wind Desktop Screening Report (WSR)
Our Wind Desktop Screening Reports aim to quickly establish whether a site has the potential to be developed as a viable wind turbine site. The report is desk-based and we use online resources and specialist software to make an initial assessment of whether the site is suitable for wind development. The scope is necessarily brief in line with the cost, but includes the following:
- Initial discussion with client on the expected scale of development, preferred location(s) and site electrical infrastructure
- Initial estimate of site wind speed (based on online tools)
- Check for local sensitive noise receptors that could effect the planning application
- Check of landscape designations and environmental sensitivities
- Check site access is suitable for the construction phase
- Initial review of local electrical distribution infrastructure
- Outline positioning of wind turbine(s)
- Project cost estimate
- Revenue estimate
- Conclusion and Recommendation
All of the above is summarised in a concise report. The price is £620 +vat.
Wind Site Finding Services
Site finding services are normally provided for investors who want to invest in wind but are not familiar with the technology or the wind development process. We design a bespoke service to meet your geographic area of interest and scale of development. The normal methodology is a series or adverts in the farmers and / or landowner’s press to generate leads, then we qualify the leads and do a quick analysis to check that the site appears suitable for development. Suitable sites are them moved on to our standard Wind Desktop Screening Report (WSR) for a more detailed review of the site, then once all of the sites have been analysed we produce a prioritised list of sites for potential development.
In parallel we can arrange all of the legal aspects including exclusivity agreements, lease-options and lease agreements. Once the exclusivity agreement is signed we move sites into our standard Wind Feasibility Study stage (WFS). Once the WFS is completed, if the site still appears suitable for development the lease-option agreement is signed and the site moves into the development stage (planning & consenting). From this point forward we have a structured set of standard wind development services available to move the site on to completion.
Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements in more detail.
