Empower Renewables Development Intern Work
As the first intern hired in Empower’s entrance into the US market, I work closely with Directors and the European Technical team to research and screen target areas for market entry. I am responsible for gathering constraint data and performing site suitability analyses in ArcGIS & QGIS, identifying optimal locations for renewable energy infrastructure based on researched environmental and regulatory factors. As a part of this work, I research relevant planning bodies, ordinances, and moratoriums across target areas and engage with local officials to navigate permitting and regulatory requirements.
Below is a sample of the work I have done with Empower for Minnesota:
Wind Turbine Ordinance
- State Ordinance
- County Setbacks
- Incentives
- Moratoriums
Environmental Compliance
- Land Assessment Software to Identify:
- Federal Permitting
- State Permitting
- Endangered Species
- Further detailed review of each
State Renewable Energy Historical Review
- 100% Renewable Energy by 2040
- Minnesota Infrastructure Permitting Act
- General Favorability to Wind, Low Opposition State
MISO Energy Market Future Projects
- ATC Upgrade Area Research
- Proposed Energy Projects
Site Review
- Floodplain Contraints
- Landowner Review
- Wind Turbine Placement
- Topography
Local Engagement
- Meet with planning directors
- Read through planning meeting minutes
- Research existing company’s projects in the area
Drew Wilson 