Greenfield development & pre-feasibility study
Balancing uncertainty & cost
Start with windPRO
From blank map to buildable wind project
Greenfield wind development means starting from scratch—but success depends on how well you navigate:
-
Environmental complexity
-
Regulatory hurdles
-
Technical constraints
-
Economic risk
Looking at multiple sites?
Here’s the winning approach:
Rank sites
Evaluate all potential locations and score them based on quality and viability.
Drop the duds
Eliminate low-potential sites early to save time and resources.
Focus resources
Concentrate on the most promising, buildable areas for maximum impact.
Why early-stage analysis matters
If you use windPRO for early screening, you will
identify high-potential wind sites
Filter out sites with poor wind resources to avoid poor Return On Investment (ROI).
design compliant, efficient layouts
Plan turbine layouts that meet noise and shadow flicker regulations from the start—avoiding costly redesigns or delays.
select feasible, developable land
Easily filter out restricted zones and unsuitable terrain, ensuring your site meets legal, environmental, and practical requirements.
How can windPRO help me with...
Even without measured data you can give it a first shot through direct access from windPRO to global weather model data (e.g. ERA5, MERRA2, NORA3, CERRA, GWA) to identify high-potential zones before installing measurement equipment.
windPRO gives you access to a vast library of elevation, land use data coupled with satellite imagery can be overlayed. Additionally, access to geospatial governmental data sources provides all required input to identify the extent of suitable land.
Making the most of the available land by optimizing the layout for AEP/LCOE/NPV, and at the same time keeping noise and loads within limits.
Simple setbacks are not always enough. Model noise levels and shadow cast with DECIBEL and SHADOW to ensure compliance with local restrictions.
Rank the sites either by production, LCoE or NPV. Easily compare different turbine models, wind farms sizes and layouts.
.png)
-1.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
-
Easy access to online data
Topography, land use maps incl forestry, geospatial governmental data sources, and satellite imagery. You do not need to spend time chasing data sources. windPRO has a vast collection of various types of maps, which is continuously updated and expanded.
-
GIS-based siting
You can import your own GIS data. By overlaying multiple spatial datasets (e.g., terrain, grid access, dwellings), you can quickly identify and resolve conflicts.
-
Integration with global weather data
Access to multiple reanalysis datasets (like ERA5, MERRA-2, etc.) lets you compare and validate long-term wind conditions. This reduces reliance on a single dataset, mitigating bias or model errors, and strengthens your wind resource assessment.
-
Layout optimization
Tailored layout optimization to your development priorities—maximum energy (AEP), lowest cost (LCOE), or highest return (NPV).
-
Noise simulation
Ensures your project complies with local and national noise regulations, preventing rejections or legal issues during permitting.
-
Flicker impact modelling
Accurately calculates shadow flicker hours at nearby residences using turbine geometry, topography, sun path, and weather conditions. Ensures your project meets legal shadow flicker limits, preventing rejection during permitting.
The modules you need
Key modules for this use case
BASIS
Project, Maps and GIS data management.METEO
Climate data handling. Access to online wind data.
WAsP
Industry standard flow modelling.
MODEL
Resource mapping and connecting with WAsP.
PARK
Energy calculations.
OPTIMIZE (opt.)
Easy layout creation.
SITE COMPLIANCE and LOAD RESPONSE (opt.)
Include lifetime constraints in optimization.
SHADOW (opt.l)
Shadow flicker modelling.
DECIBEL (opt.)
Noise impact simulation.
Learn. Apply. Succeed: Your windPRO Training Hub
Dive into our comprehensive courses, webinars, and tutorials to master windPRO’s powerful features. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, our resources will help you unlock the full potential of your wind projects. Start learning today!
Courses relevant for this use case:
- BASIS
- Greenfield
- EYA
- Energy Optimize
- Noise
- Shadow & Visual
- Site Compliance