Optimizing wind park infrastructure alignment

In general the combined costs of wind park infrastructure are in the range of 10–15 percent of the total project costs. On an absolute scale the costs can reach tens of millions of euros depending on project size. Thus the argument for careful planning and optimization of infrastructure alignment is valid as the potential savings might reach hundreds of thousands even millions of euros. Additionally as the construction of wind power infrastructure networks often covers an extensive amount of land area the optimization process can also minimize the negative effects on the local landscape and environment. This book presents a new approach for the planning of wind park infrastructure alignment by utilizing Geographical Information Systems (GIS) aiming at reduced overall costs and environmental impact. The presented methodology should inspire wind power project developers and infrastructure specialists to realize the potential of computational methods in reducing project costs and environmental impacts.