Comprehensive Analysis of 100 MW Wind Farm Losses and Their Financial Impacts: A Study on Array Losses Across Multiple Turbines Using a RETScreen Expert Software

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze and evaluate the influence of array losses on the financial sustainability and economic viability of wind farm projects with a capacity of 100 MW. The Al-Fajer site has been proposed for a feasibility study to assess the viability of building an onshore wind farm. The assessment of investment costs was conducted using the RETScreen program. The findings demonstrated that alterations in array losses impact the amount of energy exported to the grid, influencing changes in revenue, pre-tax internal rate of return (IRR), and net present value (NPV). When array losses in (case 1) decrease by 2%, that will positively impact financial feasibility factors. Therefore, it will lead to a gain in income for all turbines; the net present value (NPV) and pre-tax internal rate of return (IRR) values experienced an increase, indicating a positive impact on the project’s profitability. When array losses in (case 2) increase by 2%, it will lead to negative results on the wind farm and, thus, reduce the energy exported to the grid; wind turbine revenue will experience a decline. This increase substantially affects the NPV and IRR, leading to decreases. The capacity factor experienced a drop, resulting in significant changes to the project’s financial returns. The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) has increased due to decreased production, leading to higher prices. The simple payback likewise experienced a boost beyond its usual norms.