Reference no: EM133676458

Task Overview - Preliminary Feasibility Report

Topic - Environmental

Learning outcome 1: Proficiency in site analysis and site investigation.

Learning outcome 2: An appreciation of sustainable development and associated concepts and the ability to very broadly apply a range of techniques to evaluate project feasibility.

Learning outcome 3: Analyse and produce a technically robust conceptual design of a sustainable development by way of written documents and maps.

Learning outcome 4: Function as a productive member of a team to effectively work towards set objectives to achieve the activity goals on schedule.

Definition of a feasibility report:

A feasibility study is a way to evaluate the practicality and desirability of a project. Before an organisation invests time and money into a significant project, it needs to know how successful the project will be eventually. Sometimes an organisation wants to understand input costs, the amount of research that will need to be done, or even the marketability of a project. The purpose of a feasibility study is to provide information and analysis as to whether the company should pursue a particular course of action. This assignment is designed to understand and appreciate the basis of feasibility studies with available information, without requiring detail data.

The feasibility report which is the outcome of the assessment aims to create action and to persuade/help the decision makers to choose between available options. A feasibility report also determines whether or not the investigated task can be done, what the potential benefits and adverse impacts are and what resources will be necessary to complete the task. In other words, the report should address the question, ‘Is the proposed project feasible ‘what needs to be done to make it feasible?'.

Task overview
In this scenario-based task, you will investigate the relevant technical and sustainability challenges for the development of a solar energy farm using appropriate guidelines and techniques. For this assessment, you need to undertake a preliminary feasibility study.

Task description:
Task preparation
The solar energy farm to be located at QUT's Camp Mountain Site (i.e. SERF site, Samford) should have the capacity to meet the energy needs of 1000 residential buildings in the Ferny Grove suburb and surrounds.

As a team, you will undertake a preliminary feasibility study for the proposed development based on information provided in Canvas and other relevant information that you can source. Maps of the project site are available in Canvas.

Form into groups of three.

Identify ‘experts' within your group for the following three areas with responsibility for sourcing the required information with each expert submitting an individual written report for their selected area:

Solar infrastructure and economics: Estimate the solar infrastructure size requirements and optimal locations supported by the Group's Environmental Expert and Civil Infrastructure Expert and develop layout plan/s and report on locations of the solar infrastructure. Using seasonal daily energy load profiles and seasonal solar energy production profiles, estimate the size of solar and battery infrastructure required to meet specified energy demands. Further, to ensure the continuity of supply, economically estimate the requirements for backup energy supply composition. Identify opportunities and constraints the project site offers in the context of your specific task.

Civil infrastructure and risk assessment and mitigation: In consultation with the Group's Solar expert and Environmental expert prepare layout plan/s and report on site works and infrastructure needed for the establishment of the proposed solar farm. The proposed works should capitalise on the site's characteristics and minimise the impacts on the environment. The report should also undertake an assessment of potential risks from natural disasters such as bushfires, high winds and flooding and propose strategies for the mitigation of these risks. It is important to keep in mind that risks cannot be totally eliminated. Identify opportunities and constraints the project site offers in the context of your specific task.

Environmental impacts and mitigation: In consultation with the Group's Solar Expert and Civil Infrastructure Expert, discuss the potential five (5) key adverse environmental impacts arising from the proposed civil and electrical infrastructure and practical strategies to mitigate these impacts. Also discuss the environmental benefits of the project. Prepare appropriate layout plan/s to illustrate your findings.. Identify opportunities and constraints the project site offers in the context of your specific task.

Ensure that you determine the best location(s) for the different project features, taking into account technological and sustainability considerations, and other requirements. All decisions should be clearly justified.

You should consider factors such as minimising impacts on the environment and sustainability. A significant part of the site is heavily vegetated. Therefore, as far as feasible, the development should be confined to the cleared area. Removal of any existing vegetation should be clearly justified.
The information provided in this report will form the basis for the next assessment.
Tables and figures should be provided to enrich your report and to support the text.

All maps/drawings/images should look professional, be created using appropriate software, and be provided with a legend, scale bar and North arrow as appropriate. Hand- drawn maps are not acceptable.