Making renewable energy a reality

Development process for onshore energy project

The development of a wind farm or a solar park involves a lengthy and complex process. It begins with an initial site search and land agreements, followed by consultations with the community and stakeholders, identification and assessment of issues as part of an Environmental Impact Assessment, and finally, the submission of a planning application. If permission is granted, the process moves into pre-construction activities and financing, followed by on-site construction, and ultimately into the operational phase.

Anemoi UK Ltd manages its renewable energy projects throughout the entire development process. We also acquire consented projects to carry them through financing, construction, and operational phases.

Site Selection

Each wind farm project begins with an in-depth site search, identifying locations with strong potential while avoiding major constraints. We prioritise areas with favorable technical resources, minimal conservation and landscape restrictions, low ecological impact, and optimal distance from residential communities.

From the outset, we assess essential factors such as aviation safety, grid connectivity, and site accessibility. Only sites meeting these strict criteria are considered for further development.

Feasibility & Scoping

When passes are initial strict screening process, we initiate comprehensive consultations and feasibility studies to examine any factors that may impact its viability. We analyse in depth any potential issues identified, and we come up with a robust mitigation plan to ensure we have a solution for any problem before it enters planning.

As part of this process, we submit a formal request to the Local Planning Authority, ensuring that all environmental considerations are thoroughly addressed in the assessment.

Assessment & Design

The success of a wind farm relies heavily on operational efficiency, development costs, and securing planning approval. To create an effective site layout, we conduct thorough environmental and technical assessments, engaging with relevant organisations to understand the design’s potential impact on the local environment. We also hold public consultation events with the public, so that the community voices can be heard and help shape a development that works for the community.

These studies are integral to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, a statutory requirement for most large-scale renewable energy projects.

Planning Process

The planning process for a wind farm involves a series of detailed assessments and consultations to ensure the project is viable and aligns with environmental and community standards. We start by submitting a request to the Local Planning Authority, which outlines the project’s scope and addresses any environmental factors.

Comprehensive environmental and technical studies follow, forming a crucial part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to evaluate potential effects on the local environment and wildlife. Throughout this process, we consult with regulatory bodies and local stakeholders, incorporating feedback to refine the project design and meet planning requirements.

Finance & Construction

When a wind farm is granted planning permission it becomes “ready-to-build”. This means the site has secured all necessary planning approvals, and all technical, environmental, and regulatory requirements have been met. With a finalized design, grid connection agreements, and construction plans in place, these projects are primed for immediate development.

At this stage, we work closely with construction teams, landowners, and relevant stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition from planning to execution. Ready-to-build projects embody years of strategic planning, thorough assessments, and dedicated collaboration, paving the way for clean, renewable energy generation to benefit communities and the environment.