SITING A WIND PROJECT - Wind Resource Assessment: A Practical Guide to Developing a Wind Project - page 33

Approved Uses . The lease or option agreement should specify what uses the
landowner reserves for the land around the monitoring equipment. For instance,
the landowner may reserve the right to continue to grow crops or raise cattle.
Crop Protection . Typical lease provisions require developers to use their best efforts
to minimize damage and to compensate landowners for any damage that may
occur. Mitigation measures covered in the lease agreement may include soil
preservation or decompaction to remedy the effects of project-related vehicle
traffic.
Liability and Insurance . The agreement should contain provisions to protect
landowners from liability arising from accidents. The agreement should also
require that the developer carry a general liability insurance policy.
Term and Decommissioning . The duration of the option period should be clearly
stated. When the agreement ends, the developer is usually responsible for remov-
ing the tower and restoring the site to a suitable condition.
Compensation Payment Schedule . The agreement should outline how the landowner
will be compensated and the payment schedule.
3.7 QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. For the region where you live, list and give a short description of the main
factors that might affect the selection of a site for a wind project. Rank the
considerations in the order of decreasing importance, state whether and how they
can be quantified, and identify possible sources of information to support them.
2. The wind resource is usually one of the key considerations in selecting a wind
project site. Can you imagine conditions in which it might be much less impor-
tant? Consider such factors as the variation in the resource across the region
and the types of incentives that might be available for wind energy projects.
3. You have been hired to design a wind monitoring campaign for a 100-MW wind
project in the region where you live. What trade-offs do you need to consider
in determining (i) the number of towers to be installed, (ii) their height and
instrumentation, and (iii) their placement within the project area?
4. Investigate and discuss permitting procedures for wind energy projects in your
region. What government agencies are likely to be involved at the local, state or
provincial, and national levels? Do these agencies have experience with wind
projects? Consider just one of the agencies. Describe the kind of permit that
would be required and the procedure for obtaining it.
5. Using the Internet, find a sample land lease or option agreement for a wind
energy project. Consider and discuss its applicability for a specific type of
landowner (e.g., a farmer) in a specific region.