Cost-effectiveness analysis of long-life investments on example of polish wind power plants

Abstract

The authors present criteria availed in taking investment decisions in wind energy investments. Macroeconomic aspects of Poland wind energy sector/industry have also been described. The article is based on numerous press and scientific articles, as well as reports. Due to the fact that investments related to construction of a wind farm are characterized by a long payback period, the authors recommend discount methods as the best method of profitability assessment. The authors suggest using the concept of weighted average cost of capital to determine the discount rate. They recommend a sensitivity analysis and value at risk to assess the impact of changes in prices of certificates of origin prices on productivity of wind farms.