December 2, 2016
Virginia

Rocky Forge Wind Farm moves into new phase

Cathy Benson | The Roanoke Times | December 1, 2016 | www.roanoke.com

The proposed wind farm in north Botetourt is moving into a new phase. It could be the first wind energy project in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Currently, engineering of the process is expending most of the time on the project to figure out exactly how to proceed in the most cost effective manner and efficiently. The project is also searching for a buyer of the generated electricity. Ultimately Apex, the energy company, is studying the cost of the power verses the cost of the project.

As Charlie Johnson Project manager said, “ We are on the path to completion. The DEQ has the final application has been submitted.”

The timeline has been moved back due to an agreement with the US Fish and Wildlife service not to cut trees while bats are migrating. Thus construction will take place in late in 2017, but is on track to be operational by 2018.

Engineering the site has been complex because of the mountainous and rugged terrain. The FAA approved the site to have turbines up to 549 feet. The size of the turbines is still under study as far as height, but will not be any higher.

“One thing,” said Kevin Chandler part of the Apex team, “we’ve tried to let folks know that this is potentially the first wind project in Virginia. We are working hard to set a responsible president to make sure it is done correctly.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/12/02/rocky-forge-wind-farm-moves-into-new-phase/