Technical Due Diligence for Wind Farms

Technical due diligence for wind turbines – security for investors and operators

Technical due diligence (TDD) is a crucial step in the valuation, purchase or sale of wind turbines and wind farms. It is used to objectively assess the opportunities and risks of a project before making financial decisions. A careful technical examination is the basis for serious investments and creates trust between operator, buyer and financier.

What does technical due diligence mean?

Technical due diligence is a comprehensive technical analysis of a wind turbine or an entire wind farm. The aim is to present the actual condition, technical performance and possible risks transparently. The results are incorporated into purchase contracts, financing decisions and insurance audits.

When is due diligence necessary?

Technical due diligence is always useful or necessary when a plant or project changes ownership, new investors are to join or financing is to be extended. It also serves as a basis for decision-making in the case of continued operation after 20 years or in repowering projects.

Contents of a technical due diligence

A TDD includes a detailed examination of all technical and operational aspects. Typically, the following are examined:

• General technical documentation (design documents, permits, maintenance reports)
• Condition of turbines, foundations, towers and rotor blades
• History of faults, repairs and spare parts availability
• Analysis of performance data, energy yields and wind measurements
• Evaluation of the electrotechnical infrastructure (transformers, cables, grid connection)
• Safety aspects, occupational health and safety and environmental regulations
• Comparison of actual conditions with manufacturer specifications and contracts

What operators and buyers should pay attention to

The quality of a due diligence depends heavily on the experience of the appraiser carrying out the work. Operators and investors should therefore pay attention to the following points:

• Independence and qualification of the assessor – ideally with experience in the wind energy sector
• Complete data situation and documentation of the system
• Transparent and comprehensible evaluation methodology
• Clear statements about risks, defects and potential costs
• Comprehensible summary of the results with recommendations for action

Significance for financing and asset marketing

Professional technical due diligence is crucial not only for buyers, but also for operators who want to sell their turbines or wind farms. Without a neutral assessment of the technical condition, the market value can hardly be determined seriously. Banks, investors and insurers often require such an appraisal as a prerequisite for the release of financing or the conclusion of contracts.

Consulting and specialized providers

Conducting a TDD requires deep technical understanding and industry knowledge. It is therefore advisable to involve experienced consulting companies or engineering firms. On wind-turbine.com, operators and investors can find qualified service providers who specialize in technical due diligence. These experts support you from data collection and technical assessment to the final risk analysis – independently and transparently.

Result

Technical due diligence is an indispensable tool to assess the real condition and value of wind turbines. It creates security for investors, operators and financiers and minimizes technical and economic risks. Those who rely on sound analyses and experienced appraisers when buying, selling or continuing to operate invest in sustainable and reliable decisions.