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Wind on the map. How does QGIS support wind energy investment planning?
PLANNING THE LOCATION OF A MEASUREMENT MAST OR A WIND FARM TODAY REQUIRES NOT ONLY KNOWLEDGE OF REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES, BUT ALSO A CONSCIOUS AND SKILLED USE OF SPATIAL DATA. IN THIS CONTEXT, QGIS BECOMES AN INVALUABLE SUPPORT TOOL – IT COMBINES ADVANCED MAPPING TOOLS WITH PRACTICAL INVESTMENT DECISION-MAKING.
Why is a map the foundation of a good project?
The development of wind energy in Poland has clearly accelerated in recent years. Along with this growth, the requirements for the quality of spatial analyses and project documentation have also increased. Planning the location of a measurement mast or a wind farm is no longer only a technical task. Today, it is a process that requires precise management of spatial information and consideration of many formal and environmental conditions.
Before a wind farm is built, it is necessary to install a measurement mast that records wind speed and wind direction data for at least one year. The choice of its location is strategic. A wrong location can lead to financial losses or significantly extend the investment process.
For this reason, designers and analysts increasingly use QGIS software. It allows the integration of data from many sources, such as land and building registers, local spatial development plans, environmental data, and information about airspace restrictions. This makes it possible, already at an early planning stage, to create a so-called “decision map” that clearly shows the key conditions affecting the choice of investment location.
From idea to location – how does QGIS support investment decisions?
Since we know that a map is the foundation of a good project, it is worth looking at how QGIS supports the investment decision-making process in practice. Every project starts with a key question: Can a measurement mast or a wind turbine be built in a given location?
The answer requires combining many types of information, often scattered across different sources: plot boundaries, aviation zones, protected areas, local spatial development plan provisions, as well as data on infrastructure and terrain shape.
QGIS allows all this data to be combined in a single project. In practice, it is possible to overlay many information layers – from cadastral maps and orthophotos, through environmental data, to the boundaries of Natura 2000 areas or aviation corridors. Such a setup allows an early assessment of which locations have real investment potential and which are excluded due to formal or environmental reasons.
Analyses often use data provided by the Geoportal, the General Directorate for Environmental Protection, or AIP Poland (Aeronautical Information Publication). Loading this data into QGIS and organizing it in one coordinate system takes only a few minutes and helps avoid weeks of misunderstandings and corrections during administrative approvals.
One of the key elements of these analyses is aviation zones – areas that very often directly determine whether a wind investment is possible or not.
Safe airspace – analysis of aviation zones
For wind investments, and especially for the location of measurement masts, a key part of spatial analysis is checking compliance with airspace restrictions. In practice, this means verifying whether the planned object conflicts with prohibited, restricted, or controlled zones.
QGIS allows the loading and analysis of aviation zone data in common formats such as SHP or KML. These include zones such as MRT, TSA, or D zones. Using GIS tools, aviation corridors can be overlaid on the planned mast location map, and detailed analyses of distances, object heights, and potential visibility can be carried out.
This approach significantly improves the preparation of documentation required for approvals with military and civil aviation authorities. Importantly, it allows potential conflicts to be identified and eliminated already at the concept stage, before the project enters formal administrative procedures.
Compliance with spatial plans and environmental conditions
The second key stage of the location process is assessing compliance with planning documents and environmental conditions. At this stage, QGIS allows multiple important spatial layers to be loaded and analyzed at the same time, including:
- ● boundaries of Natura 2000 areas, landscape parks, and nature reserves,
- ● boundaries of valid local spatial development plans together with land-use provisions,
- ● data on existing buildings, technical infrastructure networks, and terrain shape.
Thanks to integration with databases from the General Directorate for Environmental Protection and the Geoportal, QGIS enables quick verification of whether a planned measurement mast or wind turbine is located within a protected area and whether a local spatial development plan applies to the location.
It should be emphasized that a measurement mast can only be located in areas where the local spatial development plan allows such investments. If the plan excludes infrastructure objects or technical installations, the mast location is not permitted.
If there is no local plan, it is necessary to obtain a zoning decision (WZ). At this stage, analysis performed in QGIS helps prepare a complete and consistent set of spatial data required for further administrative procedures.
Overlaying all key layers makes it possible to clearly identify areas excluded from mast or turbine location and to indicate areas with the fewest restrictions. This approach significantly speeds up project documentation preparation and minimizes the risk of formal errors in later stages of the investment.
Integration with external data – cooperation with Google Earth
QGIS also works very well for creating conceptual and presentation maps that support both the design process and communication with stakeholders. Built-in visualization tools allow clear presentation of the planned mast location against orthophotos, plot boundaries, and road layouts. In practice, many designers also use integration with Google Earth. Objects saved in KML format – points, lines, and polygons – can be directly imported into QGIS and combined with other geospatial data.
Such visualizations are not only helpful during design but also provide strong support in discussions with authorities and investors. A well-prepared map often explains more than a multi-page written report.
Why has QGIS become essential?
Today, QGIS is not only a technical tool, but above all a way to better understand space. It allows investments to be viewed from technical, environmental, and planning perspectives. As a result, the planning process becomes more transparent, and investment decisions are better justified.
It can be said that QGIS does not only create maps, but actively supports accurate investment decisions. The use of GIS tools in wind energy planning brings clear, measurable benefits:
- ● shorter time needed to prepare analyses and documentation,
- ● higher precision and reliability of studies,
- ● reduced formal and environmental risk,
- ● improved communication between the investor and approving institutions.
Thanks to its accessibility, flexibility, and wide range of available plugins, QGIS has become a basic working tool for location studies in the renewable energy sector.
A well-prepared location analysis is half of the investment’s success. It saves many weeks in administrative procedures, reduces the risk of costly corrections, and significantly increases the predictability of the entire process.
Summary
Maps and spatial data are now the foundation of modern investment planning. With tools such as QGIS, it is possible not only to precisely define a location, but also to efficiently manage the entire process – from concept, through analyses and approvals, to obtaining administrative decisions.
In wind energy, where every kilometer of distance and every meter of height matters, proper use of spatial information directly translates into safety, efficiency, and predictability of investments. QGIS has therefore become not only a working tool, but real support in making accurate and well-founded decisions.
Wiktoria Grabarz
Leading Edge - a key factor that affects energy production
ALTHOUGH THE BLADE’S LEADING EDGE TAKES UP ONLY A SMALL SURFACE, ITS ROLE IN TURBINE PERFORMANCE IS FUNDAMENTAL. IT IS THE PART MOST EXPOSED TO EROSION, WHICH CAN PROGRESS SURPRISINGLY FAST AND QUICKLY REDUCE ENERGY OUTPUT. THIS IS WHY ITS CONDITION HAS A DIRECT IMPACT ON WHETHER THE BLADES KEEP THEIR FULL EFFICIENCY DURING OPERATION.
The leading edge is the first part of the blade that cuts through the airflow, and also the area most prone to wear. Rain, sand, hail, and fine dust act like a very strong sandpaper, slowly damaging the protective coating and the laminate structure.
For this reason, regular inspections and quick repairs of the leading edge are not about aesthetics. They are essential for keeping the turbine productive. Even small defects can reduce energy production by 3-6%, and more serious damage can cause even higher losses.
A small element, big losses
At first glance, leading-edge erosion may look like small scratches, chips, or a slightly dull surface. In reality, it is one of the most underestimated factors affecting turbine performance. These small signs of wear change the airflow around the blade, making it cut through the air less efficiently. And when aerodynamics fail, energy production drops.
How much? More than most operators expect. Even minimal erosion can reduce output by 3-6%, and with larger defects, these values rise to over 8%. Small damage, big consequences. And this is not a guess, it is hard data.
Studies from DTU Wind Energy show that losing only 1-2% of the aerodynamic profile can cause a 3-5% drop in production, and 1-2 mm of erosion can lead to 6-8% losses [1]. Vestas confirms that “moderate erosion” can reduce the annual yield by around 5% [2]. Siemens Gamesa reports that local coating damage on the leading edge causes 2-4% aerodynamic losses, which grow rapidly as erosion progresses [3]. CFD simulations published in the Journal of Physics show that even small erosion (Rz 1 mm) is enough to reduce the power coefficient Cp by 3-6% [4].
Sometimes, one ignored defect on the leading edge is just enough for the whole system to run with reduced efficiency.
How is the repair done?
Repairing the leading edge requires knowledge of material engineering and high precision from the service team. Each step affects the final aerodynamics of the blade, so the procedure is strictly controlled and done step by step:
- Damage assessment.
Rope access technicians perform detailed measurements, documentation, and classification of the defect. Based on this, they choose the repair method and the sanding range.
- Surface preparation.
The repair area is marked, then the surface is sanded and cleaned. The goal is to prepare a perfect base for rebuilding the laminate and applying the new coating.
- Rebuilding and finishing
The laminate structure is rebuilt layer by layer using the correct glass fabrics, resins, and structural adhesives. Then the original aerodynamic profile and protective coating are restored according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
During all chemical work, technicians constantly monitor key parameters such as:
- ● humidity and temperature,
- ● hardness and gloss,
- ● adhesion and surface profile,
- ● geometry consistency with the blade model.
Strengthening the repair: LEP systems
Although the repair restores the shape and integrity of the leading edge, long-term protection depends on the right surface coating. For this purpose, LEP systems (Leading Edge Protection) are applied as adhesive films or liquid coatings that harden into a protective layer resistant to rain, sand, and dust impact. Solutions available on the market include products from 3M™, PolyTech, Armour Edge, Teknos and Naviga. They differ in design and performance, but all aim to slow down erosion and stabilise blade operation.
For blades after warranty, choosing the right LEP system requires evaluating their condition, local environmental factors, and operational loads. The experience of service teams, such as windhunter service, helps select the best solution for each turbine. It is the final step of the process that completes the repair and keeps the aerodynamic performance of the blade at the highest possible level in the coming years.
Wojciech Nowak
blade project coordinator
Przypisy
- Zob C. Bak, A. M. Forsting, N. N. Sørensen, The influence of leading edge roughness, rotor control and wind climate on the loss in energy production,, „Journal of Physics: Conference Series”, t. 1618, 052050 (2020), DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/1618/5/052050. ↩
- Vestas, Internal Studies and Erosion Whitepapers,, 2016–2019, materiały wewnętrzne dotyczące programów Leading Edge Protection (LEP). ↩
- Zob C. Bak, A. M. Forsting, N. N. Sørensen, Internal Studies and Erosion Whitepapers,, „Journal of Physics: Conference Series”, t. 1618, 052050 (2020), DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/1618/5/052050. ↩
- Zob C. Bak, A. M. Forsting, N. N. Sørensen, The influence of leading edge roughness, rotor control and wind climate on the loss in energy production,, „Journal of Physics: Conference Series”, t. 1618, 052050 (2020), DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/1618/5/052050. ↩
Measurement met masts - the gold standard in wind measurements
IN A TIME OF FAST GROWTH OF MEASUREMENT TECHNOLOGY IN WIND ENERGY, ONE QUESTION APPEARS MORE AND MORE OFTEN: ARE CLASSIC MEASUREMENT MET MASTS STILL NEEDED? EVEN THOUGH MOBILE LIDAR DEVICES (LIDAR - LIGHT DETECTION AND RANGING) ARE GETTING MORE POPULAR, MEASUREMENT MET MASTS REMAIN THE GOLD STANDARD FOR WIND RESOURCE ASSESSMENT. THEY ARE THE POINT OF REFERENCE FOR ALL OTHER MEASUREMENT METHODS.
The foundation of reliability
A measurement met mast is a key part of a wind resource assessment system. We install a set of certified and calibrated weather sensors on it, like anemometers, wind vanes, thermometers, barometers, and humidity sensors. The data is collected directly in the airflow, at the planned turbine rotor hub height, exactly where the wind energy will be produced in the future. Other sensor heights are chosen to capture the vertical profile of wind speed and direction in the lower part of the turbine’s operating zone, below the hub height. Direct contact of the sensors with the air flow at precisely defined points gives the highest accuracy and stability of data. It removes the need for correction models that are unavoidable with remote sensing.
An irreplaceable role in LiDAR calibration
LiDARs are growing in popularity because of their mobility, quick deployment, and ability to measure at high heights. But to make LiDAR data trustworthy for bankable analyses, the device must be calibrated and verified against a measurement met mast.
The international standard IEC 61400-50-2 clearly says that a LiDAR should be compared with a reference measurement met mast before it is used as an independent data source. Without this reference, measurement errors may appear due to weather conditions, such as aerosols, fog, rain or snow, or temperature gradients, which affect how the laser beam travels.
Independence from optical and weather conditions
Unlike LiDARs, which need enough light scattering in the air, measurement met masts work independently of visibility. They are not sensitive to:
- ● fog, dust, snow and rain,
- ● low aerosol concentration,
- ● changes of surface reflectivity (for example, in snowy or desert terrain).
Thanks to this, they provide continuous and consistent data even in extreme conditions, such as the harsh climate of Scandinavia or the mountain areas of Central Europe.
Long-term stability and reference value
Measurement masts allow for many months and years of data collection with very high stability. Such data gives a strong base for:
- ● long-term wind resource modelling,
- ● validation of numerical models,
- ● building local wind speed profiles and precise turbulence measurement (in complex or mountainous terrain, this is necessary to correctly define the IEC class and TI index of a future wind turbine),
- ● preparing bankable reports for investors and financial institutions.
Turbulence measurements
A measurement met mast can measure three components of wind speed in real time, for example, with ultrasonic anemometers (Ultrasonic 3D). In complex terrain, turbulence can form locally near obstacles, and its character depends strongly on micro-topography. The met mast records these effects directly, without signal disturbance.
A LiDAR measures wind indirectly, based on laser light scattering on particles in the air. In complex terrain, LiDAR measurements can be disturbed by reflections and non-uniform airflow. In mountains, valleys, or near forests, there are often eddies and swirls that cause return-signal instability and distort the result.
Because turbulence can change within milliseconds, a LiDAR, which averages over longer time intervals, can smooth the data, so small eddies and speed fluctuations become invisible. A met mast, measuring continuously and directly, captures these short changes with high accuracy. This is why, in complex terrain, a met mast is often required to correctly define the turbine’s TI class, while a LiDAR plays a supporting role.
Bankability of projects
Data from measurement masts is accepted by banks and auditors as a reference source and as the base for long-term energy yield estimates. Modern LiDARs can also gain bankable status after their performance is verified against a met mast, but there is still a lack of public analyses or cases (,,case study’’) showing how the chosen measurement method affects the specific financing terms of a project.
Getting bankable status is important, but for the end client, the key point is the final terms on which the bank will lend money. The rule is simple: the higher the measurement uncertainty, the higher the project risk and the less favourable the loan terms. For large investments, these differences can mean significant amounts of money.
In the market, we see different approaches to wind projects depending on who leads the development: a wind expert, a developer, a consulting firm, a future owner of a wind farm, or a turbine manufacturer. The role of a professional wind expert is always to choose a measurement method that reduces uncertainty and maximises project bankability, while keeping a good balance between development costs and the benefits of better financing terms.
Long-term measurements
A measurement met mast is the most economical and bankable source of wind data over many years. It can work stably and with little maintenance for a long time, and its operating costs are low. After installation, it usually needs only regular inspections, twice a year.
Unlike LiDARs, a met mast is usually powered by its own renewable power source, which gives it full autonomy. A LiDAR, on the other hand, needs regular service, including refilling fuel for the power system or service fluids in the device, which increases costs and can affect the continuity of work in the long run.
Integration with modern measurement systems
Integrating a measurement met mast with LiDAR technology lets us combine the strengths of both methods: precise, reference measurements from the mast and the extended LiDAR range up to about 300 meters. This hybrid model is used more and more in bank-grade analyses, where the mast is the pillar of data reliability, and the LiDAR provides extra information.
Why the gold standard?
Although LiDAR technology offers very wide measurement options today, the measurement met mast is still the main point of reference in wind potential assessment. Its key benefits are:
- ● physical measurement of airflow,
- ● independence from optical conditions,
- ● data stability and continuity,
- ● full acceptance by financial institutions and auditors,
- ● ability to calibrate other devices.
In professional wind measurements, LiDAR is seen as an excellent supporting tool, while the measurement met mast remains as the gold standard, the foundation on which the most reliable wind energy production forecasts are built.
Piotr Madera
Power Sources for Measurement Masts in Wind Energy Projects
IN WIND ENERGY, ACCURATE WIND SPEED MEASUREMENT IS KEY. MEASUREMENT MASTS MUST OPERATE CONTINUOUSLY AND RELIABLY – EVEN IN CHALLENGING CONDITIONS. SO, HOW ARE THEY POWERED IN LOCATIONS WITHOUT GRID ACCESS OR SUNLIGHT IN WINTER?
In wind energy projects, accurately assessing wind resources is a critical step. Wind measurement masts are most commonly used to study wind conditions. These masts are equipped with various sensors such as anemometers, wind vanes, barometers, thermometers, and humidity sensors. All of these devices, including the data loggers, require a stable and reliable power source. This ensures continuous operation, especially since most locations are far from the electrical grid.
Standard Power Sources for Measurement Masts
A typical measurement mast – depending on its height and the number of sensors – uses anywhere from a few dozen to several hundred watts of continuous power. The biggest energy consumers are data loggers, data transmission systems (such as GSM/LTE or satellite modems), and heating elements, which are used to prevent sensor icing in areas with rapid temperature drops and high humidity.
In standard projects located at low elevations, on flat terrain, and in moderate climates, simple solutions are used: solar panels, batteries, and sometimes an additional small wind turbine to recharge the batteries at night. This setup can provide a continuous power output of several dozen watts.
Challenges in Extreme Conditions
However, some projects require sensor heating, which can increase power consumption to several hundred watts. If a client requests additional heating for the sensor booms, power needs can reach several kilowatts. In such cases, standard solutions are not sufficient, and additional technical systems must be used – tailored to the expected energy demand of the measurement setup in heating mode.
These kinds of systems are not widely available on the market. They’re usually large containers customized to the specific needs of each project. Off-the-shelf solutions don’t exist, and only a few companies are capable of developing such setups. That’s because even with power usage in the hundreds of watts, maintaining reliable power for continuous sensor operation can cost tens of thousands of euros. These systems must be properly secured and include communication modules, control cabinets, remote monitoring, and alerts – notifying users of any potential fault, fuel level, or issues like a voltage drop that may cause a power circuit failure.
Two Proven Solutions on the Market:
- 1. Diesel generators secured in marine containers with large fuel tanks (up to 1000 liters)
- 2. Renewable energy systems developed by windhunter_service in marine containers
This solution is used in areas with limited sunlight – especially in winter – where solar panels alone can’t generate enough energy, such as in the northern regions of Scandinavia. The downside is that these systems require regular maintenance (sometimes monthly), including filter replacements (fuel, air), seal checks, leak protection, and fuel tank refills every few months. In remote locations, this can generate very high service costs.
To meet market needs, we developed our own solution a few years ago for locations with limited sunlight. We designed marine containers that use solar panels, high-capacity batteries, and – when needed – wind turbines. The whole system is fully connected, remotely monitored, automated, and most importantly – maintenance-free.
Our power systems have been working non-stop for over 3 years in the mountains of Croatia, Albania, and across several projects in Poland. Thanks to the cooperation of our engineers and the support of experienced partners, we’ve been able to ensure continuous sensor operation in demanding environments – known for icing, lack of winter access, and strict environmental requirements.
This shows our flexibility and individual approach to every client’s needs. We don’t give up – we solve real problems using our know-how, and often create our own solutions instead of waiting for others.
- Piotr Madera
Zoning Decisions | General Plans
Important changes are coming
to zoning decisions (WZ) in Poland due to the amended Spatial Planning and Development Act. The amendment to the Act of March 27, 2003, introduced by the Act of July 7, 2023, requires municipalities to develop General Spatial Development Plans, which will replace existing zoning studies (studium) starting July 1, 2026.
These general plans will become local law, which means:
- - zoning decisions (WZ),
- - decisions on public purpose investments,
- - local spatial development plans adopted after the general plan,
Zoning decisions issued under the new plans, will be valid for 5 years from the date they become final.
Local zoning plans that are in force when the general plan is adopted will remain valid until replaced by a new local plan.
During the transition period (until the general plans are adopted), zoning and public investment location decisions will still follow the current regulations.
If a general spatial development plan is not adopted, the municipality will no longer be able to issue zoning decisions for applications submitted after June 30, 2026.
After that date, it will also not be possible to adopt a local spatial plan without a valid general plan in place.
As a long-time partner to wind farm developers, we strongly recommend:
Submitting zoning decision applications as soon as possible.
Applications submitted before December 31, 2025, should still be processed under current rules.
Please note: some municipalities are already suspending proceedings or plan to do so 3 months before adopting their general plan.
Zoning decisions issued for applications submitted after December 31, 2025, will be valid for 5 years only.
No land ownership is required to apply – only basic location and technical details of the planned investment.
General Plans will include:
- - Planning zones – defining land use functions,
- - Urban standards – e.g., max. building height, required green area, etc.
To allow future wind measurement masts or other infrastructure:
- - The general plan must include relevant zones and parameters,
- - Local plans must be allowed for those locations.
Any interested party may submit a request to the draft general plan, following the official announcement by the municipality after they vote to begin the planning process.
We recommend:
- - Actively participating in the planning process now,
- - Tracking announcements and submitting requests on time.
Municipalities will run public consultations once a draft is ready and reviewed. Dates will be published in the press, on notice boards, and the official BIP website.
Requests submitted after the deadline will not be considered, so staying up to date is key to securing future investment opportunities.
For more details, please contact:
- Dorota Koleda
- Wojciech Mardziel
- Michał Jakubowski