Research shows LiDAR increases value of wind farm

When investing in a wind project, developers want to reduce as many risks and uncertainties as possible in order to get the best business case. Measuring wind farm characteristics to achieve this goal has been a limited practice. For the first time, research results are quantifying how targeted measurement campaigns can reduce uncertainty and improve the value of wind farms.

Ecofys energy consultants used LiDAR (light detection and ranging) consisting of a laser-based measurement device, making it possible to measure wind characteristics up to 200 meters above the ground, to quickly and flexibly determine the potential of wind farms in the Netherlands.

The research indicates that these laser-based wind measurements can increase the value of a typical Dutch wind farm by more than 1 million euros ($1.3 million).

"These methods help to better quantify the wind speeds and will therefore help wind farm developers to take the right decisions and make the right choices regarding project financing," said Erik Holtslag, business developer at Ecofys.

According to the study's data, the new system can help to secure better finance conditions from banks, leading to a lower cost of energy and allowing the government to achieve its renewable energy targets faster and more economically.

For more:
- see the report

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