Wind Power Development

IBERDROLA RENEWABLES' commitment to renewable energy begins with its people. IBERDROLA RENEWABLES' wind team has more than 120 collective years of wind experience in meteorology, development and marketing. We are in this business for the long run and develop lasting relationships with our partners, communities and landowners. To learn more about wind energy, click here. The following is a brief overview of IBERDROLA RENEWABLES' wind power development process.

Location, Location, Location

Developing a wind project is a complex process. IBERDROLA RENEWABLES' development and meteorology team evaluates a potential site on a wide range of criteria, including wind resource quality, ability to obtain permits, access to transmission, impact on the surrounding environment, consistency with current land uses and constructability. Another key component is establishing strong relationships with stakeholders, whether farmers, ranchers, government entities or utilities.

Building Relationships with Landowners

Early in the process, IBERDROLA RENEWABLES works with private and public landowners to create a win/win situation for everyone. Our wind projects provide additional revenue for landowners while preserving existing land use. Current agreements typically pay lease payments to landowners based on kW-hrs produced by the projects located on their land. This arrangement protects the landowner from fluctuation in the electricity market prices. Actual amounts vary, but this structure can result in payments of $2,000 or more annually per turbine.

How Windy is It?

IBERDROLA RENEWABLES has its own meteorology team including nationally renowned wind resource expert Bob Baker, our lead meteorologist.

Using on-site wind data and surrounding data where available, IBERDROLA RENEWABLES employs the latest in technology including complex modeling software and new techniques such as SODAR (similar technology to the Doppler radar used by local weather forecasters) to forecast wind energy potential.

Our wind resource studies help determine the appropriate layout of the project, projected power output and the commercial viability of each potential site. Typically a project can be economically viable if the annual average wind speed is at least 12 to 14 mph, but intensity, duration, time of occurrence and uniformity are also factors.

Connecting to the Power Grid

Electricity generated at a commercial wind project must be moved onto the power grid. A key component of project viability is a transmission study which determines how best to make that connection.

In most cases, we work with the owners of the transmission or system operators to perform engineering studies. If all goes well, we then form agreements with the grid owners that allow the project to connect and transmit power to the grid.

Identifying the Customer

In many cases, a project's success is dependent upon identifying potential purchasers of a wind project's electricity and executing sales agreements. IBERDROLA RENEWABLES' understanding of utilities' needs and our ability to create renewable energy products that fit into their overall portfolio makes IBERDROLA RENEWABLES a leader in marketing wind power.

IBERDROLA RENEWABLES is also one of the only wind developers capable of warehousing wind power until such time that customers can execute long-term agreements. Unlike other developers, PPM has the resources and ability to market our products to many customers which makes our projects more likely to be successful. Our track record shows we get projects done.

Keeping Green Power Green

IBERDROLA RENEWABLES performs extensive environmental impact studies evaluating existing land use as well as impacts on birds, bats, rare plants, and waterways to determine whether a site is suitable for a wind farm. We select and design wind developments to minimize impacts, and work hard to ensure our wind energy is as environmentally friendly to the land and communities as it is to the air.

Securing Permits

IBERDROLA RENEWABLES works with local communities and with local, state and federal government agencies to obtain the required permits for each project to make sure we comply with all regulations and requirements.

Buying the Turbines

IBERDROLA RENEWABLES has strong relationships with leaders in turbine manufacturing. Our experience and large volume purchasing allows us to procure cost-competitive and site-appropriate equipment for each project.

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Who Pays for the project?

With costs approaching $2 million per megawatt, financing the development and construction of wind energy projects is a challenge for many developers. With the financial strength of IBERDROLA RENEWABLES' parent, Iberdrola, IBERDROLA RENEWABLES has financing advantages that other developers lack. Our financial strength allows us to competitively price our energy products and stand behind our projects.

Constructing the Wind Facility

IBERDROLA RENEWABLES has in-house expertise to oversee and manage project construction. Construction involves such activities as roadwork, underground cabling, foundation pouring, and tower erection. After construction, surrounding property that may have been disturbed during construction is restored to its pre-construction state.

Maintaining the Wind Facility

Wind energy facilities are complex, expensive projects. In order to ensure peak performance, IBERDROLA RENEWABLES employs experienced personnel to operate and maintain the wind farm and maximize returns over the life of the project.

IBERDROLA RENEWABLES has a long-term commitment to all aspects of wind power development. Trust us to get the job done.