The development of a wind farm involves six important phases. The first three phases (pre-feasibility analysis, wind monitoring and feasibility studies) take 1-2 years to complete, while the next two stages (financing and construction) may take another 1-2 years. The timeline diagram below illustrates the development process and average duration of each phase.

Phase 1: Pre-Feasibility Analysis
  


To start the wind farm development process, a pre-feasibility analysis is commissioned. This is a high-level review of the potential wind resource and access to the electricity transmission grid. The analysis also estimates the expected capital costs of the wind farm and identifies any significant potential obstacles to building it.

  

Phase 2: Wind Monitoring
  


In order to determine the commercial feasibility of a potential wind farm, a wind monitoring program is conducted. This involves installing one or more wind monitoring towers to collect information on wind speed, wind direction and temperature. Usually, a wind monitoring program will collect data for at least 1-2 years. Experts then analyze the data and estimate the quality of the wind resource.


Phase 3: Feasibility Studies
  


To determine the technical and commercial viability of the proposed wind farm, certain feasibility studies need to be conducted, including:

  • Environmental impact assessment
  • Interconnection assessment
  • Site mapping
  • Electrical and mechanical engineering
  • Zoning and permitting

Phase 4: Power Purchase Agreement and Financing
 


Prior to the construction of a proposed wind farm, financing must be arranged for the project. Usually, construction financing is a combination of debt (60%-70%) and equity (30%-40%). To secure construction financing, most wind farm developers need to sign a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with a credit-worthy purchaser such as WAPDA or a municipality.

Phase 5: Construction
  

There are five essential steps to the construction of a wind farm: surveys, road construction, turbine foundations, turbine installation and electrical connection system. Typically, the construction of a wind farm takes 12-18 months.

  

Phase 6: Operation
  


once construction is completed, the wind farm will commence commercial operation and begin producing electricity for sale into the electrical grid. The ongoing operation of the wind farm is a relatively simple process requiring only regular maintenance and occasional repair of turbines.

Community Education & Input
  


The development of a wind farm requires the support of the community and this plays an important role in every stage of the development process. Community involvement starts with public meetings such as open houses, where the wind farm project is presented, and information is circulated and discussed. This is followed by the environmental assessment process and the development of the site plan for the wind farm. Once approval from the appropriate levels of government is obtained and the development of the wind farm has started, the community continues to play an active role.