Powering the Future: The Modern Role of a Wind Energy Consultant
In January 2024, wind energy generation surpassed coal in Europe for the first time (Reuters 2024). Is it the time for a wind energy consultant?
1. Introduction
Wind energy has emerged as one of the most viable and cost-effective options for generating clean electricity.
According to various studies, the share of wind energy in the global energy mix is expected to increase substantially in the coming years (Bogdanov et al., 2021; Hassan et al., 2024). This shift necessitates expert wind energy consultants to navigate the complexities of wind energy projects.
Global Infrastructure Advisors helps manage your wind energy project strategically. As wind energy consultants, we help you avoid costly mistakes and time delays. We support during your pre-feasibility, development and procurement phases – helping to build a financial and technical case, while supporting fundraising processes.
How we support investors: Energy investors seek expert due diligence and risk assessment to evaluate wind projects, requiring detailed analysis of technical feasibility, revenue projections, and operational risks. You might prioritize accurate financial modeling and comprehensive market insights to help returns on renewable energy portfolios.
How we support developers: Developers look for end-to-end project support, from site selection through commissioning. You want streamlined permitting processes, quality-cost turbine procurement and structured projects to attract competitive financing while maintaining aggressive development timelines.
How we support institutions: Utilities, governments and infrastructure funds require strategic guidance on wind energy integration, regulatory compliance, and long-term performance optimization. Your focus spans policy frameworks, grid connectivity, and sustainable asset management strategies.
2. What is a Wind Energy Consultant?
Wind energy consultants are specialized professionals who guide renewable energy projects, providing expert advice on wind farm development, optimization, and operations.
Consultants like GIA bridge the gap between technical feasibility and commercial viability, conducting comprehensive site assessments, wind resource analysis, and environmental impact studies to determine optimal project locations and configurations.
Our role demands a blend of technical expertise and business acumen. Successful wind energy consultants combine knowledge of aerodynamics and wind turbine technology with strong project management capabilities and financial modeling skills.
You must stay current with evolving local regulatory frameworks, understand grid integration requirements, and possess the technical proficiency to analyze wind data and predict energy yields.
ESIA expertise and experience – to the highest standards – is equally crucial. Stakeholders must navigate complex permitting processes and conduct impact assessments while maintaining project timelines and budgets.
3. The Role of Wind Energy Consultants in Emerging Markets
Wind energy projects typically require significant upfront capital, which can be a barrier in emerging economies.
Investors in emerging markets often face higher risks, which reduces capital flows to these regions (Bhatia & Kumar, 2024). The International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy also highlights that “higher risks in turn reduce capital flows to emerging markets,” making it difficult to secure funding for wind projects (Tang & Taylor, 2014, pp. 152–173). Wind energy consultants like GIA and others can help reduce the friction for these capital flows.
Alongside the funding gap, wind projects face technical barriers only a wind energy consultant can address.
The IEA Wind Task 36 emphasizes the need for improved forecasting methods to enhance the value of wind energy forecasts (Würth et al., 2019). Consultants are needed to design and implement these integrated systems, optimizing energy production and enhancing grid stability.
The transition to wind energy is also heavily influenced by government policies and regulations aimed at promoting renewable energy. Consultants are essential for helping businesses and governments navigate these regulatory landscapes, ensuring compliance with local, national, and international standards (Adelekan et al., 2024; Capozza et al., 2021, pp. 1094–1109). They can provide expertise in policy analysis, helping stakeholders understand the implications of various energy transition policies.
GIA is currently co-developing a 300 MW wind and 200 MWp solar farm in Morocco, providing project development and financing services as a wind ernergy consultant for the plant. The offtake for the power plant will be structured as a private PPA.
4. Key Benefits of Hiring a Wind Energy Consultant
First, technical expertise drives optimal project outcomes. Wind consultants select prime sites, analyze wind resources, and match ideal technologies to maximize energy yields and minimize operational risks.
Building on this foundation, regulatory compliance experts navigate complex permitting efficiently. They handle environmental assessments and grid requirements. This prevents costly delays while maintaining full compliance with standards.
With technical and regulatory elements secured, financial guidance builds project viability. Consultants create robust cost models and feasibility studies. Their market knowledge secures competitive funding terms and enhances stakeholder returns.
Finally, comprehensive stakeholder management ensures smooth execution. Consultants coordinate between investors, authorities, and communities. This alignment maintains project timelines and social license to operate.
5. Wind Energy Market Outlook 2025 and Beyond
As of 2021, global installed wind capacity reached approximately 837 GW, with significant contributions from countries like China, the United States, and Germany (Liu et al., 2022; Sherman et al., 2020). The 2024 installed capacity is estimated to be over 1000 GW, with installations ongoing.
The growth rate of wind energy installations has been robust, especially in East Asia, with a 56-fold increase in installed capacity in China from 2007 to 2021 (Liu et al., 2022).
Decarbonization goals
Decarbonization goals, government incentives and competitive turbine pricing has helped drive demand for wind energy (and wind energy consultants). Wind energy is part of the story of decarbonisation. It diversifies sources, providing affordable and clean energy – essential for achieving SDG 7. Wind energy also supports SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 8 (Economic Growth) by creating jobs.
Government support and incentives
Additionally, governments are offering various incentives, such as tax credits and subsidies, to promote wind energy projects. During the Biden administration, the U.S. implemented production tax credits that significantly lower the cost of wind energy.
Cost of Wind Energy
Furthermore, the cost of wind energy has reduced. The LCOE for onshore wind has decreased significantly over the past decade. LCOE for onshore wind farms fell from approximately $0.1021/kWh in 2010 to $0.0331/kWh in 202. Offshore wind costs have also seen reductions, with LCOE dropping from $0.1879/kWh in 2010 to $0.0752/kWh in 2021 (Tumse et al., 2024). Advancements in turbine design, such as increased rotor diameters and higher hub heights, allow turbines to capture more wind energy, leading to higher energy output and lower costs per megawatt-hour (MWh) (Beiter et al., 2021; Junginger et al., 2010).
6. GIA’s Approach to Wind Energy Consulting
GIA’s wind energy consulting practice integrates comprehensive development and financial advisory capabilities. We can provide project development support across Africa’s emerging markets.
Our approach encompasses detailed micrositing analysis, grid studies, and intricate financial modeling incorporating merchant and PPA revenue streams, while maintaining rigorous environmental and social impact standards throughout project development.
In Senegal, GIA orchestrated comprehensive infrastructure finance services helping to develop the 360 MW CCGT development through financial close. In Sierra Leone, GIA supported a gold mine to successfully develop and finance a 20 MW thermal generation with 20 MWp solar and 14 MWh BESS components. In Morocco, GIA is co-developing a 300 MW wind farm in Tangiers. These projects required complex technical integration and financial structuring across multiple generation technologies.
This experience, combined with their established relationships with development finance institutions and proven ability to structure bankable projects in emerging markets, positions GIA uniquely for wind energy developments requiring intricate financial arrangements and comprehensive stakeholder management strategies across the region’s diverse regulatory landscapes.
7. Steps to Start Your Wind Energy Project with GIA
The initial consultation process centers on comprehensive site analysis and wind resource assessment using MetMast, LiDAR technology and/or historical wind data, while our technical teams simultaneously conduct preliminary environmental impact screenings and grid interconnection studies to identify early-stage constraints.
Through these initial findings, we proceed to conduct the feasibility study, which encompasses advanced micrositing analysis using CFD modeling for optimal turbine placement, alongside detailed energy yield assessments incorporating P50/P90 scenarios and uncertainty analyses, complemented by environmental, social, and geotechnical investigations.
Building on the technical foundation, our financial planning phase develops comprehensive models incorporating CAPEX estimates and operational costs based on PPA terms or merchant pricing scenarios, while structuring optimal financing solutions through project finance or hybrid approaches supported by thorough technical due diligence documentation.
With financing secured, project execution commences through coordinated workstreams spanning EPC contractor selection and project controls implementation, while our stakeholder management approach ensures comprehensive engagement with local communities and regulatory bodies, culminating in operational readiness planning that includes O&M strategies and performance monitoring systems.
8. Case Studies
Drawing from GIA’s renewable energy portfolio, the Morocco wind farm project stands as a flagship example of our wind energy consultant capabilities.
Currently under development, this ambitious 300 MW wind facility demonstrates GIA’s comprehensive approach to project development, incorporating sophisticated financial modeling and expert stakeholder management. The project’s innovative structure includes integration with a 200 MWp solar component, showcasing our ability to optimize hybrid renewable solutions for maximum efficiency and economic viability.
The measurable outcomes of this engagement include successfully establishing a project development framework for the 300 MW capacity installation, securing necessary land rights, and structuring a bankable private PPA arrangement. Our team’s technical and financial advisory services have been instrumental in advancing the project through critical development milestones, while maintaining alignment with international best practices and local regulatory requirements.
As the CEO of First Wind, the project sponsor and owner of the wind farm, I have witnessed the professionalism, technical expertise, and dedicated commitment of Simon Marchioni and his team throughout this ambitious 300 MW wind farm development project. Their contribution is crucial to the ongoing success of this project.
…
Overall, [GIA] played an essential role in bringing our vision for this wind farm project in Morocco to fruition. Their commitment to project success, unmatched expertise, and problem-solving capabilities make them trusted and highly recommendable partners for any similar development project
Soulimane Hbid, CEO of First Wind, co-developer in the Tangiers project
9. Future Trends in Wind Energy Consulting
Technological advancements are changing the landscape fast
The integration of AI is revolutionizing wind resource assessment and modeling. AI algorithms can analyze vast datasets from meteorological stations, satellite imagery, and historical wind patterns to provide more accurate predictions of wind energy potential. This enhances site selection processes and optimizes turbine placement, ultimately leading to increased energy production and reduced costs (Mahmood et al., 2024; Raman et al., 2024).
In addition, offshore wind sector is witnessing the development of larger and more efficient turbines, floating wind farms, and improved installation techniques (Janocha et al., 2024; Samanta & Kennady, 2014).
How a wind energy consultant must work with future trends
As the energy landscape shifts towards hybrid systems, consultants are increasingly required to provide expertise in integrating wind and solar energy projects. Hybrid systems leverage the complementary nature of wind and solar resources, which can lead to more stable and reliable energy supply (Aquila et al., 2020; Kumar & Majid, 2023). The rise of hybrid energy systems necessitates the incorporation of energy storage solutions to manage the intermittency of renewable energy sources.
Consultants will need to evaluate various sizing options, balance of wind and solar, storage technologies, such as batteries and pumped hydro storage, to recommend optimal configurations that enhance the reliability and efficiency of hybrid systems (Kurbatova et al., 2024; Luo et al., 2022, pp. 36–39).
Emerging market wind energy opportunities
Many countries in Africa and the Middle East possess excellent wind resources. For instance, coastal regions in countries like Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa have been identified as having high wind power densities, making them ideal for wind farm installations (Obahoundjé et al., 2024; Zenebe et al., 2024).
Egypt has launched several wind energy projects, including the Gabal El-Zeit wind farm, which is one of the largest in the region (Tonbol et al., 2024).
Morocco aims to achieve 52% of its total energy capacity from renewable sources by 2030, with wind energy playing a crucial role (Bakkari et al., 2023, pp. 101–120). The projected increase in wind speeds, particularly in coastal areas, could enhance wind power potential by 12-50% across most countries (Obahoundjé et al., 2024).
10. Conclusion and Call to Action
The transition to sustainable energy demands technical expertise from a wind energy consultant and proven financing routes – particularly in emerging markets where capital flows are sticky and yet wind energy presents immense untapped potential.
GIA’s track record in delivering complex power projects across EMEA, exemplified by our ongoing 300 MW wind farm development in Morocco and hybrid power solutions in Sierra Leone, demonstrates our ability to navigate multifaceted challenges while maintaining bankable project structures
From comprehensive micrositing analysis and environmental impact assessments to structuring private PPAs and managing stakeholder relationships, we are here to support your wind energy projects.
Talk to our team
Ready to advance your wind energy ambitions? Contact a wind energy consultant to explore how GIA’s expertise can drive your project’s success, whether you’re an investor seeking due diligence support, a developer requiring end-to-end project management, or an institution looking for strategic guidance in the renewable energy sector. Get in touch with our team at info@gi-advisors.com.
Stay ahead of the curve
Follow us on LinkedIn to receive regular updates on how to successfully develop large-scale infrastructure.
References
- Adelekan, O. A., Ilugbusi, B. S., Adisa, O., Obi, O. C., Awonuga, K. F., Asuzu, O. F., & Ndubuisi, N. L. (2024). ENERGY TRANSITION POLICIES: A GLOBAL REVIEW OF SHIFTS TOWARDS RENEWABLE SOURCES. Engineering Science & Technology Journal.
- Aquila, G., Queiroz, A. R., Lima, L. M., Balestrassi, P., Lima, J., & Pamplona, E. O. (2020). Modelling and design of wind‐solar hybrid generation projects in long‐term energy auctions: a multi‐objective optimisation approach. IET Renewable Power Generation.
- Bakkari, M., Bossoufi, B., Kafazi, I. E., Bouderbala, M., & Karim, M. (2023). A review of wind energy potential in Morocco: New challenges and perspectives. Wind Engineering : The International Journal of Wind Power, 48, 101–120.
- Beiter, P., Cooperman, A., Lantz, E., Stehly, T., Shields, M., Wiser, R., Telsnig, T., Kitzing, L., Berkhout, V., & Kikuchi, Y. (2021). Wind power costs driven by innovation and experience with further reductions on the horizon. WIREs Energy and Environment, 10.
- Bhatia, Dr. V., & Kumar, Dr. S. (2024). The Impact of ESG Investing on Portfolio Performance: An Empirical Study of Emerging Markets. Journal of Informatics Education and Research.
- Bogdanov, D., Ram, M., Aghahosseini, A., Gulagi, A., Oyewo, A. S., Child, M., Caldera, U., Sadovskaia, K., Farfán, J., Souza Noel Simas Barbosa, L., Fasihi, M., Khalili, S., Traber, T., & Breyer, C. (2021). Low-cost renewable electricity as the key driver of the global energy transition towards sustainability. Energy.
- Capozza, C., Divella, M., & Rubino, A. (2021). Exploring energy transition in European firms: the role of policy instruments, demand-pull factors and cost-saving needs in driving energy-efficient and renewable energy innovations. Energy Sources Part B Economics Planning and Policy, 16, 1094–1109.
- Hassan, Q., Viktor, P., Al-Musawi, T. J., Ali, B. M., Algburi, S., Alzoubi, H. M., Al-Jiboory, A. K., Sameen, A. Z., Salman, H. M., & Jaszczur, M. (2024). The renewable energy role in the global energy transition. Renewable Energy Focus.
- Janocha, M., Lee, C., Wen, X., Ong, M., Raunholt, L., Larsen, Ø. H., & Søyland, S. (2024). Exploring the Technical Boundaries in Upscaling Floating Offshore Wind Turbines. Volume 7: Ocean Renewable Energy.
- Kumar, J. C. R., & Majid, M. (2023). Advances and development of wind–solar hybrid renewable energy technologies for energy transition and sustainable future in India. Energy & Environment.
- Kurbatova, T., Sotnyk, I., Perederii, T., Prokopenko, O., Wit, B., Pysmenna, U., & Kubatko, O. (2024). On-Grid Hybrid Wind–Solar Power Plants in Ukraine’s Residential Sector: Economic Justification of Installation Under Different Support Schemes. Energies.
- Luo, K., Wang, R., & Liu, Q. (2022). Investment Planning Model and Economics of Wind-Solar-Storage Hybrid Generation Projects Based on Levelized Cost of Electricity. 2022 6th International Conference on Green Energy and Applications (ICGEA), 36–39.
- Mahmood, B., Wadday, A. G., & Abdullah, A. K. (2024). Innovative Smart Inverter Design for Enhanced Integration of DistributedEnergy. Al-Furat Journal of Innovations in Electronics and Computer Engineering.
- Obahoundjé, S., Diedhiou, A., Troccoli, A., Boorman, P., Alabi, T. A. F., Anquetin, S., Crochemore, L., Fassinou, W. F., Hingray, B., Koné, D., Mamadou, C., & Sorho, F. (2024). Teal-WCA: A Climate Services Platform for Planning Solar Photovoltaic and Wind Energy Resources in West and Central Africa in the Context of Climate Change. International Conference on Data Technologies and Applications.
- Raman, R., Gunasekar, S., Kaliyaperumal, D., & Nedungadi, P. (2024). Navigating the Nexus of Artificial Intelligence and Renewable Energy for the Advancement of Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainability.
- Reuters. (2024, January 9). Wind overtakes coal for electricity generation in Europe.
- Samanta, S., & Kennady, H. J. (2014). PERFORMANCE MODELING OF SINGLE ROTOR AND CONTRA ROTOR FOR OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY SYSTEM.
- Tang, A., & Taylor, J. (2014). Renewable energy investment in emerging markets: Evaluating improvements to the Clean Development Mechanism. Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems, 2, 152–173.
- Tonbol, K. M., Elbessa, M., Ibrahim, O., & El-Geziry, T. (2024). Assessment of wind energy potential along the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast. Energy, Sustainability and Society.
- Tumse, S., Bilgili, M., Yildirim, A., & Sahin, B. (2024). Comparative Analysis of Global Onshore and Offshore Wind Energy Characteristics and Potentials. Sustainability.
- Würth, I., Valldecabres, L., Simon, E., Möhrlen, C., Uzunoğlu, B., Gilbert, C., Giebel, G., Schlipf, D., & Kaifel, A. (2019). Minute-Scale Forecasting of Wind Power—Results from the Collaborative Workshop of IEA Wind Task 32 and 36. Energies.
- Zenebe, G., Endro, S., A, H. L., Arul, S. J., & S, M. V. (2024). Turbine performance and wind energy potential using probability distribution in Africa. Energy.