Development Process
Access to land with a strong wind resource is the basis for any wind development but it is just one of the many crucial components needed for a wind project.  The following list shows each phase of wind farm development.

Early Phase

• Wind Assessment. The wind resource is one of the most important factors to consider when searching for a future wind farm site.  While many sites have seasonal wind (spring and fall), Invenergy looks for a site with the most consistent wind throughout a year.  Invenergy consults wind mapping software and online tools for preliminary research. On-site monitoring devices (meteorological towers) are installed after the land is secured so that we can begin recording and analyzing the site's year-round wind characteristics.  At a minimum we need to gather at least one year’s worth of wind data to move forward with a project.
  
  
• Securing Land. After identifying a potential wind farm site, Invenergy begins contacting landowners in the area to assess their interest and distributes agreements for the landowners’ review.  Due to the size and scope of utility-scale wind farms Invenergy must secure a contiguous block of acreage.  Though the amount of land needed varies depending on the local topography, we typically look for areas with available acreage in excess of 10,000 acres.
  
  
• Transmission Lines & Substations.  In order to harness the wind found in project areas and distribute it to areas with high population, Invenergy must tie the project in to the existing transmission grid.  Often this involves securing our own transmission easement and building a private transmission line to an existing substation with available capacity.  Ideal development sites are located close to existing transmission infrastructure.  Invenergy’s engineers and the local transmission service provider study the available capacity on nearby transmission lines and substations and assess whether there are any foreseeable constraints. 

Mid Phase

• Permitting and Local Support.  As with any other major power project, developers must complete all necessary county, state and federal permitting before the project can move forward. At Invenergy one of our goals is to be a good citizen of the local community, so we engage early on with local government officials and community representatives to solicit their opinions.
  
  
• Siting and Project Feasibility Considerations. The fact that a site is windy does not always mean it is suitable for wind power development. Siting a wind project can be a daunting task due to the complex array of social and environmental factors at play.  Invenergy recognizes the importance of being a good neighbor, and thus consideration is given to local wildlife, geology, air traffic patterns and numerous other environmental issues. 
  
  
• Identify Reliable Power Purchaser or Market.  Wind energy is one the most cost-effective renewable energy options on the market.  In fact, the cost of electricity from a new wind project is often less than or equal to the cost of electricity from traditional power sources.  Utilities tend to purchase power from what they consider to be the cheapest and most reliable generation sources.  Demand for “green energy” (electricity from clean, renewable sources like wind) and the public’s increasing awareness of the importance of environmental responsibility are creating buyers for wind energy at competitive rates.

Late Phase

• Site Preparation and Construction.  As construction crews begin to prepare the project area, they build access roads and clear the areas where turbines will be erected. Next, they excavate turbine sites, install formworks and pour the concrete to create the foundations.  Once all turbine components are on-site, assembly begins.  A crane is used to erect the tower and install the nacelle and rotor with its hub and blades.  On the ground, the electrical collection network is installed and connected to the grid through the project substation.
  
  
• Operation and Maintenance.  Wind turbine technology has made great strides in recent years. Today's turbines are more efficient and cost-effective than ever, however, they are also more complex.  Invenergy develops, owns and operates wind projects and once a project is operational, we hire and train a professional group of O&M (operation and maintenance) technicians.  When possible Invenergy hires local residents and provides them with O&M training.  A good O&M team is critical to the ongoing success of any project.