Assessment of the site potential

Our sophisticated mapping software enables us to identify suitable wind farm sites in the UK, and we have designed our own software which allows us to plan turbine locations according to a number of constraints. This software approach is coupled with site visits by the project team, which helps to ensure a detailed understanding of any site before the project plans progress.

Building on the considerable in-house expertise we have acquired over the last 25 years, we ensure all the information needed to design the project is obtained as early as possible.

Choosing a site involves the consideration of a whole range of technical issues such as:

• Wind speed
• Suitable grid connection close to the site
• Good transport access

There are also environmental constraints which need to be considered:

• Nature designations
• Ecology and archaeology issues
• Proximity to houses
• Hydrology
• Aviation interests
• Landscape and visual impact assesment

RES takes great care to ensure that each wind farm and the individual turbines are sensitively located to reduce their effect on wildlife, people and the landscape. Environmental Impact Assessments are a compulsory part of the planning process for wind farms.

RES' in-house team of environmental specialists includes some of the leading experts in the industry on specific issues such as noise and aviation.