Case Study: International renewable energy developer achieves AC interference compliance and faster startup with Audubon

International Renewable Energy Operator saves time to startup with Audubon’s solar-modified AC interference model

An international renewable energy operator faced a challenge in assessing the AC interference risk its new 187-MW solar farm's high-voltage transmission line posed to adjacent pipelines. Initial modeling was inaccurate as industry standards were designed for traditional power infrastructure, not solar. This prevented them from securing the necessary easement approvals from multiple pipeline operators. They contacted Audubon Companies for a solution to this integrity engineering challenge.

Audubon developed a first-of-its-kind, solar-modified AC interference model to accurately assess the risk. Using this custom model, Audubon designed and implemented a mitigation system. This data-driven approach allowed the operator to confidently secure all required approvals without overestimating risk or overengineering a costly program, saving up to $1 million per section and accelerating the startup of Texas's largest private use network.