A Leader in Clean Energy
Geographic Operations
An Energy Provider
Being Responsible
Joining Together
How Development Proceeds
While NextEra Energy Resources’ land agents work with landowners to familiarize them with the process and what to expect, our developers are busy on a wide range of issues related to developing a wind site, including:
- Providing information to local officials on project progress
- Conducting environmental assessments and completing historical and archaeological reviews
- Connecting to the local power grid
- Securing customers for the site’s electricity
- Attending public meetings to gain building approval
- Receiving FAA approval
- Procuring equipment
NextEra Energy Resources works with landowners to identify the best location for each turbine. NextEra Energy Resources may have a good idea of where to place turbines, but will work closely with landowners to ensure the turbine placement is compatible with other land uses. NextEra Energy Resources can move turbines a short distance to accommodate the ongoing land use.
What to expect during construction
- The first step in construction is to put in high-quality gravel roads to accommodate our heavy equipment.
- Trenching machines will prepare to lay underground electrical cabling alongside the access roads.
- Wind turbine foundations will be dug and poured.
- Work will begin on a substation and an operations and maintenance building.
- Large trucks will arrive with the turbine equipment.
- Cranes will begin erecting the turbines.
- The completed turbines will be tested and commissioned.
- When construction is complete, most of the affected land is reclaimed and deep tilled, to be returned to crop production or reseeded with native grasses.
What to expect during wind operations
One important benefit of wind generation is that landowners can continue to use their land in traditional ways at the same time that clean electricity is being generated. If landowners are farmers, they can expect to be able to farm up to the access roads and turbine foundations. In developing and operating the wind turbines, NextEra Energy Resources:
- Wants to make hosting wind turbines as convenient as possible for landowners
- Will not fence off the turbines, so livestock can graze next to the turbines
- Will post the access roads as private property
- Can gate the access roads to prevent trespassing
- Will need access for maintenance workers to turbines (landowners can expect to see pick-up trucks at the turbines on their property several times a week)
- Will work closely with landowners to resolve issues that may arise involving livestock, crops and fences
- Has its plant manager leads and the operations and maintenance staff always available to respond to questions and concerns
