ROCKY FORGE WIND PROJECT PROFILE
Rocky Forge Wind, a project of Charlottesville-based Apex Clean Energy, will be Virginia's first onshore wind project. The project is expected to generate enough homegrown clean energy to power the equivalent of 21,000 average American homes each year.
The project recently secured a power purchase agreement for the electricity and has entered the final stages of development. We will continue actively meeting with landowners, community leaders, and the public to share information about the project as construction begins.
Rocky Forge Wind represents a major economic opportunity for both Botetourt County and the Commonwealth of Virginia to promote rural economic growth while developing safe, clean renewable energy. We are excited to be a part of your community.
PROJECT SUMMARY
- Project size: Approximately 75 MW
- Enough energy to power up to 21,000 U.S. homes
- Turbines will be spaced approximately 1/4 mile apart
- Existing high-voltage power lines and highways would limit the need for new infrastructure
- Power will be delivered into the Virginia electrical grid and purchased by the Commonwealth of Virginia
- Up to 250 FTE jobs and significant local spending during construction
- Approximately 7 full-time jobs created for operations and maintenance
- Taxpayers protected against decommissioning costs
- Represents a significant investment in the local economy, with revenues for property owners, local government services, and schools for 30 years
- Provide approximately $30 million in state and local tax revenue over the project's lifetime
WHY BOTETOURT COUNTY?
The project site was selected by Apex Clean Energy after a thorough examination of many candidate sites within Virginia for the following reasons:
- Verified wind resource
- Existing high-voltage power lines
- Expansive private land
- Proximity to state highways
The project is expected to inject millions of dollars into Botetourt County’s economy to support local and regional merchants, contractors, and equipment suppliers.
PROJECT TIMELINE
Apex in concluding the development process for Rocky Forge Wind and preparing for full mobilization for construction to commence in 2025. All necessary local permits have been received by Botetourt County and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. The project will utilize GE wind turbines and is expected to begin commercial operations in 2026.
OUR LOCAL SUPPORTERS
Thank you to the following local and regional supporters of Rocky Forge Wind:
