Chris Jorgensen – Olsson

While a number of factors contribute to successful development of a renewable project, few factors are as critical as having a proven and effective strategy for site selection. This presentation will demonstrate how a successful strategy for project siting can strengthen the financial position of the project while avoiding or limiting resistance to the project. The presentation will explain how to identify and understand key project parameters, avoid environmental constraints, and mitigate risk through project visualization and stakeholder communication. The presentation will also address the importance of identifying state and local permit requirements and understanding local stakeholder considerations. Finally, the presentation will demonstrate the importance of using a cross-functional team of environmental scientists; geotechnical structural, transmission and distribution and civil engineers; land acquisition experts; construction managers; and community outreach professionals. Lessons learned from successful project execution will also be shared.