Google banks on Scottish renewable experts’ wind power output rating for its European data centres

Scotland-based Natural Power has delivered an independent energy yield assessment for financing purposes on behalf of SunEdison Norway for  the Tellenes Wind Farm.

The energy generated by the project has been purchased by Google for a 12-year period to supply its European data centres.

An independent energy yield assessment is an essential element in securing project funding and aims to provide owners and investors with the confidence to make well-informed financial decisions.

The 160 MW project is located near Sogndalis, Norway, and comprises 50 Siemens SWT 3.2-113 turbines.

Lauren Wheatley, Natural Power’s Director of Technical, said: “Energy yield estimates are the cornerstone of wind power financial models and the accuracy of these is therefore imperative.

“We are delighted to have completed this recent EYA on behalf of SunEdison as we continue to develop new innovations and learn from our assessment and operational experience to confirm the accuracy of our work.

“A finance grade (often referred to as “bankable”) independent energy yield assessment is relied upon by lenders or other parties with a financial interest in a wind project. It is a robust and defendable energy yield analysis and uncertainty study.

“It aims to predict the long-term wind resource and average energy production of a wind farm over its lifetime and quantify the associated uncertainty inherent in these predictions.”

Over its 20-year history, Natural Power has provided wind analysis services on over 60 GW of wind and technical due diligence on over 40 GW of wind and solar projects.

From its iconic Scottish headquarters –  The Green House – Natural Power has expanded internationally to work in 32 countries, and now employs over 320 renewable energy experts. This project experience spans a portfolio of 69GW which is equivalent to powering 4.7 million UK homes.