Our team of renewable energy attorneys recently published a detailed Case Study of a complex, multi-phase, 600 MW wind project. This hypothetical illustration provides an overview of the myriad issues, both legal and practical, that a wind energy project developer faces in California. The Case Study is a useful resource for all potential wind developers and the many consultants, suppliers, contractors and others who want to understand the complexities and realities facing current California project development. Many of the issues discussed apply to wind projects not only in California, but in several other states as well: 

  • environmental review under California’s detailed statutes
  • local land use permitting
  • interconnection processes
  • property tax impacts related to the structure and term of ground leases
  • how title questions are resolved to ensure that land control documents are sufficient