1. Site Assessment

As a first step in a wind farm’s life we undertake a detailed screening study of a potential site to assess its suitability, looking at factors such as wind speed (assessed at this stage using a database of information from the Met Office), landscape character, environmental designations, distance from dwellings and proximity to grid lines.

If this study proves positive an option agreement is put in place with a landowner (giving us the right to enter into a lease prior to construction) and the development process then begins.

2. Development

One of the first and most important steps in the development process is to confirm the initial wind speed assessment and to do this we install a temporary meteorological mast on the site fitted with an array of anemometry equipment. The more data we can gather the better, but generally we like to have at least 12-24 months worth before taking a project into construction.

At the same time as gathering wind data, detailed site surveys and environmental studies are commissioned from specialist independent consultants to form the basis of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The scope of these depends on the characteristics of a particular site but would typically include:

As well as preparing an EIA, detailed consultations about the potential project are held with a wide range of project stakeholders in order to develop and then refine an optimum wind farm design for the site. Public exhibitions, newsletters and a project web-site are also used to gather input and inform the community.

Once the Environmental Impact Assessment and consultation exercises are complete a detailed planning application is prepared and then submitted to either the Local Planning Authority or (for projects of more than 50 MW capacity in Scotland) the Scottish Ministers.

While the Coriolis Energy team has a good track record at securing planning consent, if a planning application if rejected for reasons that we consider unreasonable, as is sometimes the case, this decision would usually be appealed to allow reconsideration of the proposals.

All development work is carried out at our cost/risk and payments are also made to the landowner in return for the reservation of the site (under the option agreement) and any disruption that may be caused.

3. Construction

Once planning consent has been obtained (and the conditions attaching to this discharged), construction works for the project are put out to competitive tender. Where practical we like to use local companies for the civil works (access roads, turbine foundations and any buildings) while the wind turbines and associated electrical equipment are supplied by one of the large turbine manufacturers. Depending on the project these contracts are either let separately or rolled up into a single “turnkey” package.

In parallel with this, an agreement is entered with the local electricity distribution company (or for large projects National Grid) to connect the wind farm to the grid (a formal grid connection application generally being submitted in the latter stages of the development phase so as to minimise lead times).

All construction works are carried out in compliance with conditions set out in the planning consent (which amongst other things would usually cover delivery routes and working hours) and also in accordance with a formal construction method statement (that specifies in detail how the construction work would be carried out) and all applicable health and safety legislation.