Rocky Forge Wind farm : Virginia govt signs PPA with Apex Clean Energy

Apex Clean Energy has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Virginia state to sell the power generated by its 75MW Rocky Forge Wind farm in Botetourt County as per the latest US wind industry news.

The announcement in this regard was made by Virginia Governor Ralph Northam.

The Rocky Forge Wind farm is set to become the state’s first operating onshore wind project once it starts commercial operations as expected in 2021. The new wind farm in Virginia, which is planned to feature 25 slow-spinning wind turbines, will generate enough energy to meet the power consumption needs of up to 20,000 homes annually.

The Rocky Forge Wind project is estimated to offset nearly 65,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually, as per the Environmental Protection Agency’s AVERT tool.

Ralph Northam said: “This is a historic day in the Commonwealth—not only has Virginia signed the largest state contract for renewable energy in the country, this agreement also includes 75 megawatts of energy from Virginia’s first-ever onshore wind farm.

“I’m proud that our state government is leading by example in cutting emissions, investing in clean energy, and ensuring a healthy world for future generations.”

The Rocky Forge Wind farm in Virginia will power up to 21,000 homes.

According to the Virginia government, the PPA with Apex Clean Energy will help the state achieve its objective of sourcing at least 30% of the electricity needed by its government agencies and executive branch from renewable sources by 2022.

The Rocky Forge Wind farm also advances Virginia’s progress toward its goals to power 30% of the state’s electric grid with carbon-free electricity by 2030 and 100% by the year 2050. The agreement was facilitated by Dominion Energy through a renewable power purchase mechanism which was approved by the State Corporation Commission.

Mark Goodwin – Apex Clean Energy president and CEO said: “Rocky Forge Wind represents years of hard work and collaboration among local and state-level stakeholders and will deliver immediate economic and climate-related benefits to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

“We are pleased to help the Commonwealth—home to our headquarters—achieve its momentous goals, to further establish Virginia as a clean energy leader, and to provide a meaningful economic development opportunity for Botetourt County.”

The Rocky Forge Wind farm will create 250 jobs during construction and seven roles for its operations and maintenance. The new wind farm in Virginia will provide $20 million to $25 million in the form of total tax revenue for the state and county.