Technical due diligence for wind farms and wind power projects
Technical due diligence (TDD) for wind farms: investing in wind energy? We make sure it pays off, with more than 6,600 MW of TDD experience.
With our technical due diligence, we create the transparency needed for sound investment decisions in wind energy, for projects in development, under construction and for existing wind farms. We review all technical aspects with the greatest care: the permitting situation, yield forecasts on a sound data basis, supported by our accredited EWS Testing Center (see wind resource assessment and yield forecast), detailed CAPEX and OPEX calculations (see investment and operating cost plan for wind) and contract analyses, from EPC and O&M contracts to PPAs.
The permitting situation is not only about the permit, but about its consequences for operation. Conditions such as a shadow shutdown with a light sensor, ice detection or bat-friendly operating rules can affect the yield and therefore belong in the plausibility check of the forecast. An important basis for this is the technical turbine report, which describes the turbine equipment. The procedure itself is covered by the specialist support for the authorisation procedure.
For yield and cost data, plausibility counts. A reliable yield forecast states uncertainties and gives exceedance probabilities such as P50 and P90; banks and investors use these values to assess debt service capacity. On the cost side, operating costs do not develop linearly: maintenance costs may rise with turbine age, full-service contracts often run over very long periods, and lease models with a yield-dependent share make operation more expensive as electricity prices rise. Contract analyses of EPC and O&M contracts through to PPAs show what consequences such effects have for the project value. For projects in development, this includes the question of whether the investment costs are complete: besides turbine and foundation, planning, grid connection, infrastructure, compensation measures and financing costs count. For the yield forecast, we check whether measurement period, long-term correlation, wake model and loss assumptions are traceable and whether the uncertainties have been stated consistently. For operating costs, provisions for decommissioning including guarantee costs are considered, as are leases with a minimum amount and revenue share and the fees for operations and business management. The data quality of the wind measurement is assessed according to the procedure set out in the guideline applied, and deviations increase the uncertainty. Operating logs of shutdowns serve as proof for conditions; their retention period depends on the applicable conditions. For parks with neighbours, wake losses should be stated separately for internal, external and future wakes.
Structured risk and potential analyses present the strengths and weaknesses of your project in a transparent assessment matrix and identify technical and economic risks. We review, verify and determine yield and cost data for a realistic assessment of the project value. Our experts combine all relevant disciplines, nationally and internationally: everything from a single source. The aim is transparency and investment security for decisions on a technical and economic basis.
