wiredInUSA December 2020

Apex Clean Energy has confirmed that the permit for its long-delayed wind farm has been granted by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Approval by DEQ was the last key hurdle for Apex, which says construction should be completed by the end of next year. “We are on track to start site preparation work this winter,” said Charlie Johnson, senior development manager for the company. The 75MW Rocky Forge Wind will sell its power to Dominion Energy, which has a contract to provide renewable energy to Virginia’s state government. The wind farm was first proposed in 2015. A series of local, state and federal permits were issued for a plan for 25 turbines no taller than 550 feet on North Mountain, in the north-eastern corner of Botetourt county. By the timeacustomer was secured for the produced energy, technological advances had changed the project. Apex found it could build fewer turbines, if at a greater height. The amendment required new permits from the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors, the Federal Aviation Administration and DEQ. With more efficient turbines, the project’s site plan will be about 120 acres, a 40% reduction from the original concept. The turbines, roughly the height of a 50-story building, will be evenly spread along a 3.5 mile segment of ridge line.

Long-awaited go-ahead

wiredInUSA - December 2020

24