Abstract
Applying GIS Technology to Streamline Wind Project Development
Track: Electric Utilities
Author(s): Patrick Graham
Northeast and mid-atlantic states need new sources of clean, affordable energy. The key to securing a sustainable energy future through wind energy is decreasing project development timelines. While the fundamental driver for wind project sites is favorable wind resources, land availability and proximity to infrastructure assets, natural resources and cultural/historic resources also complicate the siting process and project permitting. Furthermore, the economic viability of projects is largely dependent on securing development rights to suitably large or contiguous property parcels, and proximity to electrical transmission lines and accessible roads. Case studies will demonstrate that the application of state and regional geospatial information and ArcGIS technology to identify project development sites and conduct fatal flaw analyses is an effective, low-cost step that expedites the development process. Discussion will include the use of publicly available, site-specific and proprietary geospatial data layers such as large landowner databases, cadastral mapping and enhanced wind resource maps.
Patrick Graham
Sewall
PO Box 433
Old Town , Maine 04468
United States
Phone: 2078274456
Fax: 2078272186
E-mail: pgraham@sewall.com