TNEI staff have recently undertaken a detailed feasibility assessment on behalf of a wind farm operator to consider various redevelopment options for an existing site in the north of England. This included consideration of the use of reconditioned turbines which can offer the advantage of lower project investment and shorter payback periods.
The assessment considered data collected to support the original planning application, along with operational data collected from the turbines, to assess the feasibility of repowering the turbines using new hardware of a similar size; replanting of the site with newer larger turbines; and adding an extension to the existing site. As well as technical and environmental considerations, TNEI also undertook initial financial modelling and liaison with a broker of reconditioned wind turbines. TNEI are continuing to work with the operator to progress with the best option.
The work is being lead by Claire Hughes TNEI’s Programme Manager who said:
“‘As part of the assessment we considered several key constraints including wind resource, ecology, noise and aviation impacts. We then worked closely with our client to consider the financial merits of each option along with the consenting risks to help inform the best way to progress the redevelopment.
We have had a number of discussions with Developers who are looking at the potential to redevelop their sites to ensure they are making the most of their wind farm portfolio. Our extensive experience of wind farm development means we can quickly identify the key constraints on sites and help our clients identify the best approach for a given site. We work closely with our Power Systems and Technology team to make sure any grid constraints are identified at an early stage too.’
TNEI’s noise team have worked on a number of application to extend and replant sites and have worked closely with Developers and Local Planning Authorities to make sure the sites are appropriately designed as James Mackay, TNEI’s Technical Services Manager, explains:
“‘Noise can be a very important constraint particularly when noise related planning conditions on existing sites mean that the “‘noise budget’ in a given area has already been allocated. We have developed a number of innovative techniques to help consider noise at a very early stage of the development.’
To find out more about TNEI can help with your project please contact us on 0191 2111414.
