3. Renewable Energy Project Development Flashcards
What causes wake losses in wind farms, and what is the impact on turbine efficiency?
Wake losses occur due to turbine interference when wind turbines are placed close to one another, causing reduced wind speeds and increased turbulence downstream. This results in lower efficiency for downstream turbines, as they can’t generate as much power from the reduced wind speeds.
Wake losses significantly impact the overall energy yield of a wind farm, particularly in dense layouts.
What does net yield mean in renewable energy projects?
Net yield refers to the actual amount of electricity a renewable energy project generates after accounting for various losses and inefficiencies.
It encompasses gross energy production minus losses such as wake losses, electrical losses during energy conversion and transmission, and downtime losses.
Net yield also considers seasonal and environmental variability, reflecting the facility’s operational efficiency.
What is peak shaving in the context of energy management?
Peak shaving is the process of reducing electricity consumption from the grid during peak demand times. It is done to lower energy costs and ease the burden on the electricity grid when demand is highest. This is often achieved using energy storage systems, storing energy during off-peak times and using it during peak periods.
What is load shifting in electricity demand management?
Load shifting involves moving the consumption of electricity from times of high demand to times of lower demand. It aims to balance the load on the grid, leading to more even energy usage over time. This is typically facilitated by energy storage systems.
What is Geographic Information System (GIS)
A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a framework for gathering, managing, and analysing spatial and geographic data. It allows for the visualisation, interpretation, and understanding of data in ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports, and charts.
What is a GIS Summary Station, and how is it used in renewables and M&A?
A GIS Summary Station likely refers to a data aggregation point or a report/dashboard in a Geographic Information System (GIS), focusing on a specific renewable energy facility.
It’s used for site analysis, environmental impact assessments, and infrastructure planning in renewables. In M&A, it aids in evaluating the geographic and environmental aspects of renewable energy assets being considered for acquisition.
What does the process of obtaining project consenting (planning and grid) involve in Ireland?
In Ireland, planning consent for renewable energy projects is granted by local authorities or An Bord Pleanála. Grid consent involves EirGrid for transmission-level connections and ESB Networks for distribution-level connections.
SEMO (a joint operation between EirGrid and SONI) may also be involved in cases involving market operations.
What is a Met Mast, and what is its purpose in wind energy projects?
A Met Mast, short for meteorological mast, is a tower equipped with instruments to measure wind speed and direction at various heights.
It’s used to assess the viability of locations for wind power generation, aiding in the design and planning of wind farms by providing crucial data on atmospheric parameters.
What are shapefiles and their use in renewable energy projects?
Shapefiles are a digital, vector format for storing GIS data, extensively used for mapping and spatial data analysis. In renewable energy, they’re crucial for site selection, environmental impact assessments, infrastructure planning, and regulatory compliance, providing detailed geographic information for project development.
What are wind yield calculations in renewable energy?
Wind yield calculations estimate the electricity a wind energy project can generate over a period. This is crucial for assessing viability and economic feasibility, considering factors like wind speed and turbine efficiency.
What is a Projectco in renewable energy?
A Projectco is a special purpose vehicle or entity created for a specific renewable energy project, handling development, operation, and management. It’s essential for project financing and isolates financial risk to a particular project.
What is a Developco in renewable energy?
A Developco specializes in the development phase of renewable energy projects, including site identification, feasibility studies, permitting, and securing Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
What are EIS Reports and their significance in renewable energy projects and M&A?
EIS Reports, (Environmental Impact Statements) are comprehensive documents that assess the potential environmental impacts of proposed projects. These reports are crucial for obtaining project approvals, as they analyze effects on various environmental aspects like wildlife, water quality, and land use.
In M&A, reviewing EIS Reports is an integral part of environmental due diligence, helping to understand any potential environmental liabilities, compliance with regulations, and future mitigation responsibilities associated with the assets being acquired.
What is an EIAR, and why is it important in renewable energy projects and M&A?
EIAR (Environmental Impact Assessment Report) is a detailed study conducted to predict the environmental effects of a proposed development. The EIAR assesses potential impacts on factors like local ecosystems, water and air quality, noise levels, and social aspects.
Similar to EIS Reports, the EIAR is a critical component of environmental due diligence.
What are demolition prohibitions?
Demolition prohibitions refer to legal or regulatory restrictions on the dismantling of renewable energy installations, like wind turbines or solar panels. These prohibitions are important for ensuring environmental protection and sustainable project decommissioning.
