The construction of a wind farm requires a high degree of technical expertise. Kallista Energy has opted to rely on well-known and reputable partners. We work with teams that offer a positive balance sheet in terms of risks, costs and benefits, and who take a global view of the whole project and not just the construction phase. Thus, depending on the features of the site (topography, geology etc.) and the models of wind turbine to be used, our projects bring into play the most competent multidisciplinary teams for the construction site: civil engineers, electricians, etc.
A wind farm construction site is strictly regulated by the recommendations of the environmental impact assessment. We ensure that we comply with regulations governing, for example, nesting seasons for birds found near the site.
We pay particular attention to the organisation of work on the site and coordination between the different project activities, in order to comply with deadlines at the same time as ensuring the safety of all those involved.
Earthworks for wind farm roads involve preparing the ground for the accesses needed to install and maintain the wind turbines. This includes levelling the ground, excavating for foundations, creating trenches for cables and drainage, and laying base courses for the roads. The ground must be stabilised to support the weight of heavy vehicles and equipment. The aim is to provide safe, sustainable access while minimising the environmental impact.
Duration: 3 months
Building the foundations for a wind turbine involves constructing a reinforced concrete base, usually circular, deeply anchored in the ground. This base must support the load of the wind turbine and withstand wind forces and vibrations. The work involves excavation, formwork, reinforcement and pouring the concrete. Once the foundation has hardened, the wind turbine can be erected.
Duration: 3 months
The assembly of wind turbines begins with the installation of the tower, followed by the nacelle, which houses the mechanical and electrical components and is lifted and attached to the top of the tower. The rotor blades are then assembled on the ground and attached to the nacelle.
Duration: 3 months
The connection begins with the installation of underground cables linking each wind turbine to an electricity substation. These cables collect the electricity generated and take it to the substation, where the voltage is increased for integration into the electricity grid. The substation is then connected to a high-voltage transmission line that distributes the electricity generated to the national grid.
Duration: 2 months
The test phase begins with inspection of the equipment and safety systems. The turbines are then commissioned progressively to check their performance. Connections to the electricity grid are tested to ensure correct operation. Finally, adjustments are made before official commissioning.
Duration: 1 month
The commissioning of a wind farm involves the activation of the electrical and mechanical systems following the test phase. The wind turbines are gradually integrated into the power grid, and energy production is monitored in real time to ensure optimum performance.
Duration: 1 week
Access development consists of creating roads and paths to allow the routing of equipment and access for maintenance vehicles. This includes clearing and levelling the ground and laying layers of gravel or asphalt. Drainage measures are also put in place to prevent erosion. These accesses are designed to minimise environmental impact.
Duration: between 2 weeks and 1 month
This stage consists of assembling the metal supports (structures) to which the panels will be attached. The structures must be firmly anchored to the ground or on foundations that are suitable for withstanding the elements. Once the structures are in place, the panels are installed and oriented to maximise solar capture, depending on the inclination and geographical position of the site.
Burying the cables and connecting a solar farm to the grid involves laying underground cables linking the panels to the inverters and transformers. Once protected and buried, these cables carry the electricity to a substation, where it is connected to the local electricity grid.
Measurement is the final stage in the construction of a solar farm. It involves checking that the entire system is working properly. This includes tests on the electrical installations, panel performance, compliance with safety standards and monitoring devices. Remote control systems are also put in place to monitor energy production and detect any anomalies. Once these checks have been carried out, the park is ready for commissioning.
