There are number of different factors that go into site selection for wind farms, although primarily, there are three main areas of consideration that either ‘make or break’ a site:
Wind Resource: The purpose of a wind farm is to extract energy from the wind and convert it to electrical energy for consumption in our homes and businesses. Typically, the higher the average wind speed in an area, the more energy available for extraction. Initial estimates of the wind resource are obtained from low resolution wind atlas maps which are then verified with remote sensing devices or weather masts which provide far more detailed data.
The Grid Connection: Electrical energy generated from a wind farm needs to be transported to the places where people live and work. Given our current transmission infrastructure was originally designed as a centralised system, where gas and coal power plants would be clustered together in fuel source rich locations (such as the Latrobe Valley), it is becoming increasingly difficult to find adequate system capacity for new renewable energy projects which typically aren’t located in these areas. This can be one of the most challenging hurdles in the selection of a wind farm site.
Population Density: Wind farms must adhere to strict guidelines when being built near homes. Having too many dwellings near a project reduces the opportunity for the placement of turbines in optimised locations.
If a potential site passes these three key areas, further investigations will then be undertaken to identify any constraints that may make the location unviable. These studies include disciplines such as cultural and historic heritage, biodiversity, endangered species, and aviation.
If you have enquiries, please contact us:
Phone: 03 5421 9999
Email: reception@w-wind.com.au
Project website: w-wind.com.au