Wind Energy: Technologies, Siting
Considerations and Incentives
Nils Bolgen
Renewable Energy at Closed LandfillsEBC / MassDEP / DOER
July 26, 2012
Overview
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Wind Energy Basics Wind turbines Wind resource
Siting The process What to consider
Markets and Incentives Selling Power State and Federal Incentives MassCEC Commonwealth Wind Program
Sample Mass. Projects
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WIND ENERGY BASICS
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Wind Turbine Components
• The turbine rotor always faces into the wind (by “yawing”)
• In some turbines, blade “pitch” can be varied
• Generator and gearbox, etc. are housed in the “nacelle”
Blade Tip
Height
Wind Turbine Power Curve
6http://www.vestas.com/en/wind-power-solutions/wind-turbines/3.0-mw.aspx
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SITING WIND TURBINES
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Development Process
1 to 2 months 12 to 15 months 6 to 12 months 20+ years6 to 12 months 3 to 6 months
25 months to 41 months
Notes: 1) Assumes no major issues associated with permit challenges in court 2) Steps and duration vary according to project size
Public Engagement Re: Siting
Ongoing Public Engagement Re:Operations, Benefits, Impacts
Increasing refinement of number, size and location of turbines
Siting Considerations
Developer or Project Sponsor
Is there good wind?Am I close enough to the grid?How many turbines can I squeeze into this space?What are the geotechnical conditions?Is the transportation route clear?
Community and Neighbors
Will I see it?Will I hear it?What about shadow flicker?Will falling ice hurt someone?Are there other health impacts?Will the value of my property decline?What if it falls over or catches fire?
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Siting Considerations - 2
Interest Groups
How will it affect wildlife? How will it affect electric grid stability? How will it affect tourism, recreation, hunting? How will it affect archaeological or cultural resources? Will it be visible from a historic district?
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Parameter Typical Values Preferences or Constraints
Rotor overhang zone Rotor radius No regular activity in this area
Safety (aka “fall”) zone 1 – 1.1 x MTH Allow regular activity in this area?
Distance from property line 1 – 1.5 x MTH Ice throw; neighborliness
Distance to residence or other sensitive receptor > 2 x MTH
At <3 x MTH perform detailed acoustic analysesAlso do shadow flicker analysis
Airspace obstruction < 200 feet a.g.l. generally ok
No “operational impact” on aircraftNo interference with airport radar
Distance to grid Cost for upgrades
Access roads and terrain Cost of access roads or upgrades
Wind resource > 6.5 m/s annual average
Note that energy is proportional to cube of wind speed
Sample Siting Parameters and Preferences
Key Characteristics of Success
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Appropriate siting Wind Space / impacts Wildlife
Early and ongoing public engagement Rigorous analysis Flexible developer and stakeholders Local champion and local benefits
MARKETS, INCENTIVES AND PROGRAMS
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Markets and Incentives Markets
Net Metering Wholesale Power Renewable Portfolio Standard
Other Mass. incentives Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds Green Communities Program Loan Program – state revolving fund for water-related infrastructure
Federal Production tax credit (PTC)
− Investment tax credit option− Cash grant option
Accelerated Depreciation USDA Grant and Loan Programs
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Commonwealth Wind Program Structure
LegendCmty. & Cmrcl.Community OnlyCommercial OnlySmall Only
Construction Rebates
Construction Rebates
Site Assessment
Services
Site Assessment
Services
Design & Construction
Grant
Design & Construction
Grant
Business Planning
Grant
Business Planning
Grant
Development Grants and
Loans
Development Grants and
Loans
100+ kW
< 100 kW
Wind Monitoring, Feasibility & Acoustic Study
Grants
Wind Monitoring, Feasibility & Acoustic Study
Grants
Education and Facilitation Services
Recent Program Refinements
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1. Require stakeholder engagement and public education at all development stages Support use of facilitation services Support or provide “wind energy 101 and 201” sessions Undertake comprehensive energy planning exercises in
communities/regions2. Providing additional funding for pre-construction acoustic studies4. Provide information resources at MassCEC.com
Environmental benefits, Property values, Acoustics Health, Grid integration, Others . . .
5. Program Goal: support well-sited projects with good prospects for obtaining local approvals Employ rigorous analysis and conservative assumptions Employ solid public engagement and education processes
Supporting Activities
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1. Pre-construction acoustic study methodology – done2. Property value study with regional focus – in process
MA focused/Smaller projects Residential transactions at multiple distances and periods
3. Falmouth Wind Turbine Options Process – in process Facilitation and technical support in response to request from Town
4. Kingston acoustic monitoring – coming soon5. Research Study on Wind Turbine Acoustics – coming soon
Collaboration between MassDEP and MassCEC Objectives
− Measure the level and quality of sound emissions from a variety of operating wind projects in Massachusetts
− Seek to understand and quantify the influence of variables including turbine type and size, wind conditions, topography and distance
This is a research study, not a compliance test
Thank You . . .
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MassCEC Commonwealth Wind Team
Nils Bolgen [email protected] 617-315-9311Peter McPhee [email protected] 617-315-9343Leigh Cameron [email protected] 617-315-9315Tyler Studds [email protected] 617-315-
9378Seth Federspiel [email protected]
www.masscec.com
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