PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
The Process Behind Power Plant Development
Project Development powers Pacifico Energy, delivering exceptional value to our partners and communities. It starts with carefully assessing energy needs, goals, and challenges—then seamlessly uniting every piece to turn solutions into reality.
What the land tells us first.
Project Planning and Development
The stages of the entire development process include everything from site selection to the moment before construction begins. Due to the complex nature of mega infrastructure projects, the process requires thorough planning and proven experience to ensure project success - beginning with location analysis through to permitting and implementation.
Land Negotiation & Contracting
Grid Connection Studies
Environmental Studies
Permitting
Initial Design / Layouts
Site Engineering
Equipment Procurement
Power Marketing & Contracting
Customized energy, delivered ad-hoc and at-scale.
Stages of Project Development
Site Analysis
Site selection and due diligence involves an economic analysis to determine the viability and benefit of a project as well as site survey of opportunities and constraints.
Environmental
Environmental impact assessments and permitting requirements involving agriculture, forestry, and building regulations are all facets of the design development process.
Design & Build
Once the project site and facilities are engineered, bidding and negotiations to contract electric power, construction, and equipment suppliers are engaged.
Development FAQs
About the Project Development Process
The project development process includes several critical stages:
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Site Selection – Identifying the best location based on energy demand, land availability, and infrastructure.
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Land Negotiation and Contracting – Securing land rights through purchase or lease agreements.
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Grid Connection Studies – Assessing grid capacity and interconnection feasibility.
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Environmental Studies – Conducting impact assessments and compliance evaluations.
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Permitting – Navigating local, state, and federal approvals.
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Initial Design & Analysis – Developing system layouts and performance modeling.
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Site Engineering – Conducting geotechnical and civil engineering assessments.
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Equipment Procurement – Selecting and sourcing technology components.
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Power Marketing & Contracting – Securing agreements with energy buyers or off-takers.
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We evaluate multiple factors, including land availability, proximity to energy demand, access to transmission infrastructure, permitting feasibility, and environmental impact. Grid connection studies and land negotiations are also key steps in site selection.
We develop conceptual designs that align with project goals, considering land characteristics, energy output optimization, and infrastructure requirements. Our site engineering process includes geotechnical assessments and system layout finalization.
Where applicable, Pacifico works with landowners to secure access rights, leases or purchase agreements, ensuring favorable terms that align with long-term project goals. We handle zoning considerations, easements, and site access requirements to enable smooth project execution.
Environmental studies assess potential impacts on wildlife, water resources, air quality, and surrounding communities. We conduct comprehensive evaluations to meet regulatory requirements and implement sustainable development practices.
The permitting process involves obtaining approvals from local, state, and federal agencies. This includes zoning permits, environmental clearances, interconnection approvals, and construction permits. Pacifico manages the entire process to streamline project timelines.
Grid connection studies determine whether the local electricity grid can support new power generation. These studies analyze grid capacity, interconnection feasibility, upgrade requirements, and compliance with utility regulations to ensure reliable energy integration.
Under circumstances when the utility cannot manage new power capacity, Pacifico can work with you to design an off-grid system, including islanding-capable microgrids and prime power solutions.
Understanding Timelines and Contracting
The timeline varies depending on project size, permitting complexity, and interconnection requirements. Typically, project development can take 12-36 months, with early-stage assessments and approvals requiring the most time.
We source high-quality equipment based on technology suitability, cost-effectiveness, supplier reliability, and long-term operational efficiency. Procurement planning ensures seamless integration with project timelines and regulatory requirements.
Power marketing & contracting involve securing agreements with utilities, businesses, or other energy buyers to sell generated electricity. This includes negotiating power purchase agreements (PPAs), off-take agreements, and financial structuring to ensure project profitability and savings for you.