The Procedures for Starting a Wind Farm
June 11, 2010 by admin
Filed under How To Start Wind Farm
Starting a wind farm, like starting any other business, requires a significant amount of research, start-up capital, and development before the first turbine begins to spin. If you know what to expect before you begin, the project will run more smoothly. Starting a wind farm requires the specialized services of consultants, contractors, and legal representatives in order to avoid problems that could shut down the operation before it starts.
- There are dozens of factors that can influence the economic feasibility of a wind farm, but the most critical are proximity to existing power lines, access to land, and agreements with local utilities to purchase power.
The closer your wind farm site is located to existing power transmission lines, the less expensive it will be for you to connect your turbines to the power grid. Building power transmission lines from your wind farm site to the existing power grid can cost thousands of dollars per mile, so attempt to minimize this distance as much as possible.
Land lease agreements are one of the factors that can kill a wind farm project. Unless you own the land you plan to use for a wind farm, you will need to work out lease agreements with the local landowners.
Before you spend millions of dollars building a wind farm, make sure you have agreements in place with local utilities or power brokers to buy the electricity you generate.
- Setting up a wind farm legally can be complicated because there are several government agencies to consult. You will need to obtain local building permits as well as approval from state, local, and possibly federal environmental agencies. You will also need to check height restrictions and flight paths.
Many local governments will have noise ordinances that could affect your wind farm project. There may also be restrictions on building access roads and transporting over-sized and heavy turbine equipment. Look into these restrictions early in the planning stages so you can apply for the necessary permits or exceptions.
Environmental agencies will also need to approve the project if the site is near protected wildlife areas or habitats for any endangered or protected species.
Because of their height, wind turbines can interfere with flight paths, especially for small private air traffic. If the site is located near an airport, the turbines could interfere with takeoff and landing patterns.
- Finally, pay attention to public relations from the very beginning. If public opinion is positive, you are much more likely to obtain the permits you need and even help from local contractors and consultants. If you have done a good job of selling the wind farm project to a community, it will be easier to negotiate land leases as well. The manufacturer of your turbines will be able to supply you with PR materials and advice for winning the approval of the local community.
Determine Economic Feasibility
Obtain the Necessary Permits and Zoning
Public Relations
Read more: Best Way – The Procedures for Starting a Wind Farm | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5820148_procedures-starting-wind-farm.html#ixzz0qb9CkYLB
