Dynamic valuation model For wind development in regard to land value, proximity to transmission lines, and capacity factor

Abstract

Developing a wind farm involves many variables that can make or break the success of a potential wind farm project. Some variables such as wind data (capacity factor, wind rose, wind speed, etc.) are readily available in map form. However, other variables such as complications that may arise while working with landowners and local governments, and negotiating with utility companies for a power purchase agreement can be challenging, particularly when there are other competitors involved. This thesis discusses an analysis tool that could potentially be used by wind developers to look at large areas of land, and be able to predict when an area that previously was not considered to be attractive for wind development could suddenly become attractive if for instance the government passes a law mandating new subsidies that were not in existence before. The analysis tool would allow the user to input the new subsidy or any other new variable and see how this affects the feasibility of wind development in an area.