text: • The accessibility of the site should be considered. Farms are often located in remote areas or even mountainous terrain, so owners and operators need to ensure that adequate roadway infrastructure is in place to get heavy equipment and supplies to the project site, and to provide accessibility for workers and emergency responders.
  After site selection and land assessment has occurred, a myriad of contracts should be in place before construction begins, starting with the construction contract. Another document important to consider is the Power Purchase Agreement, or PPA, which is the agreement between the developer/owner and an energy buyer, such as a public utility. The PPA outlines expectations about the price and production for the energy being sold.
  In addition to detailing what the buyer will pay for the promised production, the contract also contains other important information such as insurance coverage requirements, and may have clauses limiting the liability of both parties or even a waiver of subrogation. Assignment of financial responsibility for differing types of required insurance coverage and other clauses are important to consider, as each contract is unique. How the contract is structured may impact long-term revenue.
  Developers should be aware of other contracts as well, such as an Interconnection Agreement, which specifies the terms and conditions under which the wind farm’s system can be connected to the utility grid. Financing agreements are often contingent upon the successful placement of insurance and bonds, so management oversight in this area is critical. It’s also important to involve your legal counsel in all your contract matters.
  Permitting is a vital step associated with installing wind turbines. This process can be complicated and may affect timing, location, and costs of the project. This step often moves forward in earnest when it is clear the environmental review process is moving ahead favorably. Local zoning ordinances vary greatly and change as this industry evolves. Be aware of local zoning ordinances in order to secure permitting, from assessments through construction and operation.
  Securing the type of turbines most appropriate for the site is the next step where developers should consider their potential exposures. The turbine sales agreement will outline contractual requirements, and the experience of all parties involved should be reviewed. For example, when selecting a manufacturer, ensure they have a strong track record. Working with manufacturers that meet and exceed industry standards can positively impact the reliability and life of the equipment as well as reduce future risks. Additionally, consider the replacement time and availability of component parts along with the ability to get the parts to the job site.
  The transportation of wind turbines adds another layer of complexity to the process of setting up a wind farm. Due to the enormity of the turbines—including the nacelle, blades and tower sections—transporting them can be a logistical challenge. A developer should ensure proper protection is in place to protect against potential damage to the turbine or other property during the transportation process. Work with shippers who are experienced in specialized hauling, and wind energy in particular, as they should understand the challenges associated with moving this type of cargo. Since components of turbines may come from overseas, developers need to be actively involved with their insurance agent to ensure they have the property and casualty coverage in place both for transporting turbines and their components stateside and overseas.
  One of the most difficult and dangerous elements of wind farm development is the installation of the towers and turbines. Developers should work closely with construction contractors at the outset to make sure the appropriate risk management processes and procedures are in place. The relationship with an experienced general contractor with a positive reputation for safety management and education of employees and sub-contractors is critical.
  As construction starts to move ahead, this is another good point in the process for developers to again review their insurance, contractual, and bonding requirements, and work closely with an agent who understands the best coverages, risk management, and claims services to meet the needs of the project. Complex projects like this may need additional coverages for builder’s risk, workers compensation, general liability, auto liability, and an umbrella policy, among others, as the farm is being built. Reviewing insurance protection throughout wind farm construction will serve to help mitigate and protect against a multitude of potential risks.
  While construction of the farm is underway, wind farm developers will also look to ensure that the operations and maintenance (O&M) contracts and plans are under development. These contracts play a large role in ensuring that the output and anticipated life of the turbine meet expectations. Protection of the assets and performance of routine and planned maintenance are primary functions of the O&M team. The developer and owner need to consider how local conditions can affect the turbines. Gearbox components, tower metal, fasteners, and blades are subject to wear and tear, and this—along with other signs of fatigue—can make a significant difference in the safety and production of each turbine.
  Now that the wind farm is nearing a fully operational state, wind farm developers should look to ensure they have business interruption coverage in place in the event that the farm may have to shutter its operations, even temporarily. For example, wind farm developers may take advantage of federal and tax incentives to help make the wind farm’s operation financially manageable. If business is interrupted due to a fire or even a major weather-related event, the cash flows from these grants could also cease, which could adversely affect the business. Business interruption coverage helps with the loss of income during that time frame. Purchasing insurance to protect the business against the event of business interruption can provide the developer much needed financial security.
  A wide range of insurance products and services are available to wind farm developers. Here are some guidelines that developers can follow to help when making insurance purchases for their unique needs:
  • Lifecycle coverage: Can your insurer provide coverage as the farm evolves through each stage? Having one insurer who can cover all aspects of wind farm development can help simplify and strengthen the insurance process. Using different insurers could leave some grey areas or even gaps in coverage.
  • Growing with the business: Wind farm developers may seek new opportunities to expand their business operations, whether it is to increase power output at a given location or start new construction projects. Will your insurer cover wind farms of all sizes so that the relationship can grow as the business expands?
  • Reliable experts: Working with an insurer with expertise in the renewable energy industry can have significant pay-offs for wind farm developers. This encompasses having underwriters who can assess risk accurately based on their extensive industry knowledge and provide appropriate coverage for competitive premiums, risk control advisors who can deliver guidance on best practices and claim professionals who understand the contractual language and industry processes to help mitigate losses.
  As the shift to renewable energy and wind farms continues to gain momentum, those looking to join the growing industry will be faced with many decisions. Among the most important is the plan a new developer creates to minimize exposure and ensure that they are well protected from unexpected loss by having the right contracts and insurance coverages in place. Working with an informed insurance agent and insurance carrier with deep knowledge of the renewable energy market can help their business grow and prosper.
  
  Bright, opaque pomegranate color with purple hues. Aromas range from blackberries to smoked wood to toasted bread and nutmeg. Soft and elegant in the mouth, yet blunt and powerful. The wine develops in multiple layers, demonstrating the integration of the Tempranillo fruit and subtle oak ageing. It lingers on the palate, fresh and juicy, returning to the fruit of the first taste.
  The 2005 Mirto de Ramon Bilbao is the bodega's nod to the newer international style. The grapes are all from 70+-year-old vineyards, most of them estate owned. Malolactic fermentation occurred in barrel with batonnage followed by 24 months in new Allier oak. The wine was then bottled without fining or filtration. Opaque purple-colored, it offers superb aromatics including aromas of wood smoke, toast, creosote, spice box, leather, and assorted black fruits. Smooth textured, elegant, yet powerful, this layered effort will evolve for 4-6 years and drink well through 2025.
  Thick and rich, this red layers smoke and toast notes over ripe plum, blackberry, mineral and cola, an intriguing blend of sweet and earthy flavors. Though muscular, it remains fresh through the spicy finish. Quite oaky now, but should develop well.
  Initially, this could pass for a full-bodied red from the New Spain. But only if you ignore the telltale scent of classic Rioja, minty, lamby and mushroomy in its earthiness. It's smooth and luscious, with energy coursing through the fruit and minerally tannin. And it brings to mind food, particularly tapas, roasted mushrooms and the salted, marbleized fat of a New York strip.
  This is far and away the best Mirto of all time. It’s ripe and brawny, with bacon and black-fruit aromas that put it squarely into the Nuevo Classic mold. In the mouth, licorice and nutmeg flavors give character to smooth blackberry and dark plum flavors, while the finish is cushioned, herbal and long. Immediately appealing but with five to ten years of aging potential.
  Our winery, which has recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic in Rioja.
  At Bodegas Ramon Bilbao we produce the highest quality matured wines, thus increasing both the Denominacion de Origin's and our founder's prestige. Our daily work is based on using the best prime materials, which we choose with the greatest care: grapes from the best estates and vineyards and barrels made of the best oak from European and American woods.
  Our aim is to obtain the best matured wines so that you can enjoy a wine for drinking, savouring and tasting again.
  
  Other certifications: WSET Level 3 in Wine and Spirits, the WSET Level 3 in Sake, Advanced Sake Professional certification, International Kikisake-shi
  Congratulations to Michael Tremblay, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors with IWEG in Toronto!
  "I am a wine professional and have been running the wine and sake program at Ki for about 6 years. We currently have a beverage list that consists of about 60 Japanese sake and 150 wines from all over the world. I like to keep learning, and the French Wine Scholar course gave me the opportunity to delve deeper into my understanding of French Wine, especially its history and the super geeky stuff! My hope is to further my Wine Scholar studies and complete the Italian Wine Scholar in the near future. I currently have my WSET Level 3 Award in Wine and Spirits, the WSET Level 3 Award in Sake, the Advanced Sake Professional certification from Tokyo, and the International Kikisake-shi from the Sake Service Institute of Japan. I also teach the WSET Level 3 Award in Sake.
  The world of wine is so vast and it’s virtually impossible to know everything there is to know (or retain!), especially when my focus is on Japanese sake. Thus, revisiting the world of French wine, a part of the world that began my passion for wine two decades ago, has been totally worthwhile in pushing the boundaries of my knowledge, in particular learning more about the French wine regions that are off the beaten path.
  I loved the FWS program! The online tutorials are great, and the textbook is packed with information on every corner of France’s wine industry. The in-class learning complemented this and piqued my interest in regions, such as Jura, that I had forgotten about. It’s a badge of honour to hold the FWS pin, given the vast amount of information you need to learn in order to successfully pass the exam. While I am not sure where my career in wine, sake and hospitality will take me, completing the FWS program will not doubt play a role in my future endeavours."