New Wind Biz

Friday, April 19th: 8:30-10:00 AM

New business from refined wind estimate

Authors: Lynn Sparling, Russell Tencer, Roger Dixon, Charles Newcomb
Presenter: Lynn Sparling
Affiliations: University of Maryland, Baltimore; Skyland Renewable Energy, NJ; Wind Analytics, New York, NY; Endurance Windpower, Denver, CO

Abstract: Wind energy resources are traditionally harder to predict than solar resources due to the dynamic nature of the resource itself as well as its inter-annual variability. This is even more the case in distributed wind where turbines are proposed in somewhat complex environments where local terrain features and obstructions can significantly impact wind energy density. A maturing niche market has developed for distributed wind site assessors who use location specifics, local long term wind data, and property details to determine wind resources at a property more accurately than traditional methods (coarse wind maps, short anemometer studies). As a result of the historic and new estimating capability, new business models are beginning to emerge based on more accurate turbine production. Consequently business focus is shifting towards different ownership models, which will be presented during this forum. Learn when it makes sense to use either a specific site assessment, a computer estimate of production or a wind measurement to determine your wind speed. And while wind maps may help on a prospecting or screening level, they do not provide enough information for specific distributed wind sites. Purpose of forum: explain and demonstrate the latest in micro-siting for small wind, as well as a standard method for estimating energy production. With this increased capability to accurately predict energy production comes an expanded appeal to the investment community with new business models being developed in the distributed wind marketplace.