Virginia purchases output from Rocky Forge Wind facility
The Commonwealth of Virginia has agreed to purchase the output from Rocky Forge Wind, a 75-megawatt facility located in Botetourt County.
The agreement represents the purchase of the full capacity of the project, which will become Virginia’s first operating onshore wind project when it begins commercial operations expected in 2021.
Rocky Forge will become Virginia’s first operating onshore wind project when it launches in 2021.
“This is a historic day in the Commonwealth—not only has Virginia signed the largest state contract for renewable energy in the country, but this agreement also includes 75 megawatts of energy from Virginia’s first-ever onshore wind farm,” Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said. “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 acquisition advances the state’s progress toward its targets of powering 30 percent of Virginia’s electric grid with carbon-free electricity by 2030 and 100 percent by 2050. Dominion Energy facilitated the agreement using a renewable power purchase mechanism approved by the State Corporation Commission.
“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,” Mark Goodwin, president and CEO of Apex Clean Energy, which is developing Rocky Forge, said. “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.”
Rocky Forge Wind will generate $20 million to $25 million in tax revenue for the state and county and create about 250 jobs during construction and seven full-time jobs. Rocky Forge will produce enough clean energy to power about 20,000 homes while displacing around 65,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year.
“With Virginia one of only nine states with no utility-scale wind, the Roanoke Group of the Sierra Club celebrates, and stands in full support of, Rocky Forge Wind,” Dan Crawford of the Roanoke Group of the Sierra Club said. “Apex Clean Energy’s strong commitment to environmental stewardship and concern for the local community has earned our respect and support as the project enters the next phase of development.”
