SunZia Wind

Wind FAQ

How does this project benefit my community?

Wind projects represent millions of dollars of investment that provide widespread direct and indirect job creation and economic benefits, including: lease payments to participating landowners, annual revenue payments to local governments that benefit local schools and community services, local jobs both during construction and operations, increased earnings for local vendors and services, and community giving throughout the life of our projects. We strive to find ways to expand benefits for the landowners and communities where we operate. Acting as a good neighbor benefits both the communities where we develop and the long-term success of our facilities.

How will the project be developed? Will it affect farming and ranching?

Through careful site selection, project design, and use of best management practices during construction and operations, our wind projects are designed to minimize impacts to the natural environment, including wildlife and habitat. Most of the impacts during construction are temporary and will be restored upon completion of construction. Each wind turbine typically requires around one acre of land after construction, allowing landowners to continue farming and ranching around them. We will work with farmers and ranchers when siting wind turbines, access roads, and collection lines to minimize impact to crops, grazing, and other farming and ranching operations.

Are wind facilities safe?

Yes. For more than 40 years people have been living near more than 350,000 wind turbines operating globally and more than 50,000 wind turbines operating in North America. There is no scientific evidence that indicates wind turbines have caused any adverse health effects. Overall, health and medical agencies agree that the sound from wind turbines is not loud enough to cause hearing impairment and is not causally related to adverse effects. Scientific evidence to date indicates that at common residential setback distances there is no direct health risk from wind turbine noise, including low-frequency noise and infrasound. Further, wind turbines do not produce any greenhouse gas emissions, water discharges, or solid waste byproducts.

What is the construction process?

Construction of a wind energy facility typically takes one to two years to complete. During that time, the following activities can be expected: site preparation; building access roads and turbine foundations; delivery and assembly of turbine components; civil work such as grading, excavation and concrete, as well as electrical work and mechanical assembly; and site restoration at the completion of construction

How will the facility be maintained?

We will have a robust annual operations plan and budget to maintain the facility and the land. As a long-term owner and operator of the project, we have a significant interest to maintain the land and the turbines for maximum energy production.

What is the lifespan of a typical wind project?

Modern wind farms are projected to last 30 years, although this can be extended depending on environmental factors and improvements in technology. The project will have a decommissioning plan in place for the facility at the end of its useful life. Turbines and other project infrastructure will be removed, and the site will be restored to its natural state.