DNV GL checks technical and financial risks of three Norwegian wind farms totalling 294 MW

DNV GL, the world’s largest resource of independent energy experts and certification body, today announced that the company’s technical expertise was an important part of the due diligence of the Bjerkreim cluster, a 294-megawatt group of wind farms in Norway. The German asset manager for renewable energy investments Luxcara recently entered long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for 100% of the output and environmental attributes of the three contiguous wind projects.

Working alongside Norwegian developer Norsk Vind Energi and the owner and long-term operator of the wind farms Luxcara, DNV GL’s experts conducted technical due diligence of the projects to identify and mitigate against technical and financial project risks, including site conditions, site suitability, turbine technology, construction contracts, grid connection, installation programme and permitting. The three wind farms are comprised of 70 Siemens Gamesa 4.2MW turbines, located near Stavanger in Norway. 

DNV GL’s wind experts conducted a technical analysis of all three wind farm sites and undertook wind measurement campaign specifications, layout design, site meteorological conditions assessment, turbine selection and final energy yield assessment. The team also collaborated closely with the developer and turbine manufacturer to ensure that the selected turbine model best demonstrated the characteristics to operate within the challenging environment.

The challenging environment and complex site topography meant that DNV GL’s collaborative approach to turbine selection, layout and placement was crucial, to guarantee maximum energy production over the life-time of each wind farm. 

Prajeev Rasiah, Executive Vice President for DNV GL’s Energy business in Northern Europe, Middle East & Africa, said: “DNV GL’s role in the development of the Bjerkreim cluster highlights the trust and value that developers, owners and investors place on our independent expertise and validates our ability to facilitate investments in projects that are integral to national and global renewable energy ambitions.”