Apex Clear Power, in partnership with Google, has secured a power purchase agreement for the entire capacity of Rocky Forge Wind, representing Virginia’s first onshore wind facility.
This 79.3 MW project marks the second collaboration between Apex and Google, succeeding the contract for Timbermill Wind in North Carolina.
Rocky Forge will supply power to Google’s data centers in Virginia, aiding the company’s ambition to reach net-zero emissions and 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030, ensuring its energy needs align with renewable sources every hour of the day.
“Rocky Forge represents a significant milestone in Virginia’s energy transformation, providing considerable economic and environmental advantages to Apex’s home state while advancing Google’s sustainability goals,” remarks Eamon Perrel, Apex’s executive vice president of business expansion.
As one of the limited wind farms situated within the PJM market, Rocky Forge presents a unique opportunity to facilitate the decarbonization of the swiftly growing data center industry in the area. Considering the nature of wind energy production, which peaks at nighttime and during winter, it integrates exceptionally well with solar energy generation.
Situated in Botetourt County, Virginia, Rocky Forge is expected to bring about substantial investment in southwest Virginia, generating as many as 250 jobs during its construction phase and an estimated $30 million in state and local tax revenue over the life of the project.
The project will utilize GE wind turbines and is anticipated to begin commercial operations in 2026.
Image credits @ Flikr
