TxDOT Research Library - TxDOT Research Project

Show:

Texas Transportation Planning for Future Renewable Energy Projects

What Was the Need?

There will be a significant increase in the number of renewable energy production facilities in Texas. The construction of wind farms requires the transport of wind turbine components that create increased loads on rural roads and bridges that typically are not designed for such loads. This will result in a greater burden on the transportation infrastructure in Texas. In addition, transportation of long and wide turbine blades is difficult around turns, through narrow passages, and under overhead obstructions on roads and railways. Additionally, companies face regulatory challenges, shortages of specialized drivers, and new challenges due to the increasing size of wind turbine components.

What's the Solution?

The research team created an operational planning tool that can be used to propose routes for wind turbine components traveling along Texas roads, to develop recommendations for planning construction of new wind farms, and to create maintenance strategies for the roads.

Research Benefits

The tool and related methodology contribute in two ways: (1) improving route planning not only for distance but also for number of turns and pavement damage, and (2) extending beyond route planning to collectively represent a multifaceted planning system that can predict what transportation infrastructure will be needed, based on systematically researched predictions of wind energy growth.

Project Number

0-6850

Status

Completed

link icon Copy link to this project.