EIA scoping for wind farms: concept development and support
EIA scoping for wind farms: we prepare the project description and the EIA/UVE concept and align both technically with the authorities.
Before your wind energy project really gets going, the EIA scoping procedure (UVP-Vorverfahren) provides the necessary clarity and certainty. We support you competently and in a practical way: from drafting a project description and preparing an EIA/UVE concept to technical coordination with the competent permitting authorities and experts. For wind farms, nature conservation, landscape, noise and shadow flicker are typically among the key topics of the procedure. An agreed scope of investigation prevents assessments from having to be repeated later.
The EIA scoping procedure for a wind farm is regulated in the Austrian Environmental Impact Assessment Act (UVP-G 2000) and takes place at the request of the project developer. The application must be accompanied by the main features of the project and a concept for the environmental impact statement (UVE). The authority comments on it as quickly as possible, at the latest after three months. It points out obvious deficiencies, assesses the structure of the scope of investigation and names additionally required information. The concept can arrange the scope of investigation according to priority and non-priority environmental impacts. Anyone who knows this early plans surveys and assessments in a targeted way and avoids rework. On request, the authority can also make environmental data available in electronic form. The authority's comments must be taken into account when preparing the UVE and provide technical guidance for it. They do not anticipate the later examination of the UVE and of the project.
Whether a wind farm is subject to an environmental impact assessment (EIA) at all depends on size and location. The threshold is 30 MW total capacity or 20 converters of 0.5 MW and above; above 1,000 metres altitude it is 15 MW or 10 converters. In protected areas of category A, a case-by-case examination already applies from 15 MW or 10 converters. The UVE itself describes the project including construction and operation, the alternatives examined including the option of not carrying out the project, the environment affected, the expected impacts and the measures by which significant adverse effects are avoided, reduced or offset. The EIA scoping procedure lays the foundation for this. If it is unclear whether an EIA is necessary, the authority determines this on application or ex officio; in a case-by-case examination this must be concluded by decision within six weeks. Neighbouring wind farms that act together on the environment may have to be included. Even below the threshold, the project developer can apply for an EIA to be carried out.
We know the market and the authorities and have obtained approval for more than 2,000 MW of projects. Our experts combine all relevant disciplines from a single source. Based on our assessments, you know which steps come next. The early nature conservation pre-assessment and risk analysis and the technical and economic feasibility study are also part of pre-development. Reliable wind data requires verified measuring devices, see RSD verification. The scoping procedure is followed by the UVE specialist contributions and the technical support for the permitting procedures.
