Simplifying Wind Farm Development with Unatec’s Permit Planning Tool

Faced with time-consuming processes, Spanish energy company Naturgy sought to simplify how it managed the necessary permits for developing new wind farms. Recognizing the broader applicability of such a solution, Naturgy’s long-time partner Unatec standardized the tool as a product that could be used by multiple companies. Repsol became the first company to implement this standardized version, further showcasing its flexibility and value.

Building a wind or solar farm is a complex and resource-intensive process, requiring various permits from different authorities. For example, in Spain, energy companies must coordinate with the public network operator, environmental ministry, and regional governments. Depending on the location and technology, one farm can require up to 50 permits.

“This is a very time-consuming process which requires constant attention. These permits have a lot of dependencies, meaning one missed deadline can lead to a significant delay to the whole project, which means a direct loss of revenue,” explains Rosa Moya Carreras, project manager and team lead at Unatec.

Before Unatec’s tool, Naturgy relied on basic spreadsheets to track permits and their deadlines. However, this approach had significant limitations:

• Lack of Alerts: This solution couldn’t automatically alert users about upcoming deadlines.
• No Dependency Mapping: Dependencies between permits were unclear, making it difficult to understand the sequence of actions required.
• Knowledge Gaps: Employees had to rely on their expertise to know which permits were needed, their order, and the requirements for obtaining them.
• Scalability Issues: Managing multiple projects simultaneously at different stages became increasingly challenging.

Naturgy approached Unatec with these challenges, and it became evident that the solution could benefit the entire industry. Unatec developed a standardized approach to permit management, creating a tool with a robust core system adaptable to various energy companies. Repsol, a leading energy player, became the first to adopt the standardized tool, affirming its wide applicability.

“Instead of creating a single-client solution, we built a shared core system that could address common industry challenges,” says Moya Carreras. “This core makes up 90% of the tool and is universally applicable, with the remaining 10% customizable to meet specific client needs. This ensures the tool is cost-effective and adaptable across projects and companies.”

“This approach highlights how the tool can easily be implemented by other energy companies, both in Spain and internationally,” she adds.

No More Manual Work

Unatec’s tool now revolutionizes how energy companies manage permits, providing an integrated, automated solution. At its heart is the Permit Wizard, which simplifies the process of identifying and organizing permits. Users only need to input the technical details of the power plant, such as its location and power capacity, and the wizard automatically generates a comprehensive list of required permits, including their dependencies.

“The wizard takes the guesswork out of permit planning,” explains Moya Carreras. “It ensures that nothing is overlooked and that every dependency is clearly mapped, saving our clients valuable time.”

Another standout feature is the dashboard, a centralized hub that provides a clear, real-time overview of the project’s status. The dashboard uses a color-coded system to highlight critical permits and looming deadlines, making it easy for teams to prioritize their work.

The tool also includes personalized task views, allowing team members to focus on their responsibilities without confusion. Shared permits are coordinated across the team, and built-in email functionality facilitates smooth communication.

Know-How Pays Off

According to Moya Carreras, one of the biggest challenges during the project was understanding the full scope of permits required for wind and solar development. With up to 50 permits involved, each with its own set of rules and dependencies, it was critical to get this part right. Fortunately, Unatec’s extensive experience in the energy sector provided a strong foundation for tackling this.

“Our industry knowledge gave us a head start,” says Moya Carreras. “But what really helped was the support from our clients, who shared their internal documents and insights. This collaboration allowed us to create a comprehensive database of permits and their requirements.”

Another challenge was determining which aspects of the software should be standardized and which should be customizable. This required thorough analysis to strike the right balance. “We needed to identify the commonalities across all projects to build a strong core while allowing room for flexibility to meet unique client needs,” she explains.

Although this process was time-intensive, it paid off significantly. The resulting software can now be implemented quickly—often in less than two months—saving clients valuable time and resources. “This adaptability is one of the tool’s greatest strengths,” Moya Carreras adds. “It ensures a fast rollout without sacrificing the specific requirements of each project.”

“This tool has been a huge success, and we plan to offer it across Spain and other countries,” concludes Moya Carreras. “One thing is certain: the renewable sector everywhere faces the same challenge of managing many permits. Our solution is designed to address this universal need efficiently and effectively.”

Ricardo Alba, head of back-office department at Naturgy

"Unatec has been a trusted partner in optimizing our permit management process. Their ability to translate industry challenges into a practical, automated solution has significantly reduced administrative workload and improved project timelines. This collaboration has set a new benchmark for the industry.”

Miguel Duvison, Repsol:

“Working with Unatec has always been a pleasure, and this time was no exception. Their deep understanding of the energy sector simplifies complex processes and saves valuable time on energy-related projects. The new tool has drastically improved our permit management, reducing delays and making our operations more efficient.”