Why are you interested in installing turbines when there is no wind in my area?
Advances in wind turbine technology have allowed wind projects to expand to new regions with lower wind speeds, bringing an untapped opportunity to communities across the country. We use the latest technology in our development efforts, which is opening new frontiers for wind energy in the US.
While there are lower wind speeds at ground-level, as you move up to a height of around 300 feet, wind speed drastically increases. For example, it is a lot windier when standing on a tall building or a mountain. Wind turbines' large height captures those fast winds.
We will set up a met tower and lidar to measure the wind speeds at those heights to confirm our initial evaluations are correct. The wind resource can also change over the course of the day and the year, which we account for in project models.
Can I farm around the turbines?
Wind turbines only use a fraction of the land so that you can continue to safely and effectively grow crops or raise livestock. One turbine and its access roads require minimal acreage, leaving the vast majority of the land open for farming.
For landowners, it’s a great way to secure additional long-term income. Every year, wind farms pay $706 million in landowner lease payments, providing income diversification and increased financial security. During low-production years, this helps keep generational land in the family.
How many turbines will you put on my land?
We typically install one turbine per every 100-200 acres depending on the technology used. Turbine placement is dependent on several factors such as terrain, wind angles, houses, and buildings in the area, as well as any setback rules governed by the state or county. After the leasing process is completed, we will be able to provide a more definitive answer.
Why should I put wind on my property and not another renewable technology?
Wind, unlike other forms of renewable technology, requires a fraction of the land, allowing landowners to continue utilizing the land for other purposes like farming or raising livestock.
Is wind energy here to stay? Will this be a long-term investment for my property?
Yes, wind energy is continuing to grow rapidly and is the largest source of renewable energy in the US. In 2020, 42% of new energy capacity in the US came from land-based wind energy – more than any other source.
Additionally, the federal government and several US states have ambitious renewable energy targets. This is driving demand and increasing investments to expand clean energy. The installed wind capacity in the US is expected to reach 800 GW by 2050. This is enough to power over 386 million homes for one year.
Can I hunt during the construction phase?
Due to safety reasons, hunting is restricted during the construction phase. Steelhead is committed to a safe, healthy environment, so there are times that hunting will be limited when workers are on site.
When the project is in operation, there will also be a few times a year when hunting is restricted for turbine maintenance to ensure the safety of our service technicians.
Am I liable for any accidents or injuries that take place on my land?
No, landowners are not liable for any accidents that take place on their property as a result of wind farm activities. In our leases, landowners are exempt from any legal charges.
Can I enter into other agreements for the rest of my property?
Landowners are permitted to enter into other agreements as long as they do not interfere with the construction, operation, and maintenance of the wind farm. For example, there are some setbacks and height requirements included in the lease agreements to ensure other activities do not impact wind projects. Ultimately, you are permitted and encouraged to do what is best for your property.
Are wind turbines dangerous? What happens if the turbine breaks on my property?
Safety is always our priority. With over 40 years of experience in the wind industry and well-established best practices, Vestas turbines operate very safely. The turbines have state-of-the-art technology and specialized sensors.
If a turbine breaks, the turbine automatically shuts down and service technicians follow safety protocols to ensure the safety of community-members and workers. From there, Vestas will work with the project operator to determine the root cause of the issue and make repairs as soon as possible.
Do wind turbines permanently alter the land or soil?
No, wind projects do not change the state of quality of the land. Typically, land disturbance is limited to tower supports and permeable roads. Wind development inherently requires minimal disturbance to natural vegetation.
In fact, installing wind turbines on undeveloped land can maintain the land’s permeability more so than other types of development. With this, it’s a great opportunity to preserve the land for future generations. Learn more about turbines’ land impact here.
How will I be involved in the decommissioning process?
Steelhead will take care of the entire decommissioning process, which typically begins within 18-24 months prior to the end of operations and is completed within 12-24 months. We create a comprehensive decommissioning plan to ensure the wind project is removed from your land safely and responsibly, without impacting your land. Afterwards, the land will be completely restored.
What effect will turbines have on land conversation, particularly in heavy farm areas?
Wind turbines only use a fraction of the land so that you can continue to grow crops safely and effectively or raise livestock. One turbine and its access roads require minimal acreage, leaving the vast majority of the land open for farming.
For landowners, it’s a great way to secure additional long-term income. Every year, wind farms pay $706 million in landowner lease payments, providing income diversification and increased financial security. During low-production years, this helps keep generational land in the family.
How will drainage be effected by the wind project?
Steelhead will incorporate county drainage into their design plans and where possible, avoid construction in those areas. Drainage will be managed carefully to maintain or improve surface water flow in proximity to the project. Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans will be prepared prior to construction and adhered to during the construction and operations periods.
