ELK GARDEN, W.Va. — Chances are if you’re in Grant or Mineral Counties some of the power flowing into your home or business today was generated by wind turbines within the county. California based Clearway Energy announced the Black Rock Wind Farm, which straddles the Allegheny Front along the Mineral and Grant County line went on line Thursday for the first time.
The Black Rock facility is Clearway’s third wind farm investment in West Virginia and produces 115 MW which is enough electricity to power 55,000 homes for a year. The facility includes 23 wind driven turbines.
“All total, Clearway last year invested nearly a half-BILLION dollars in the state between our three wind farms, so we are poof positive that pro-business and pro-energy policies are really paying off for West Virginia,” explained Dan Hendrick with Clearway Energy on MetroNews Talkline.
The power is flowing to the electric grid, but the construction of the Black Rock operation comes amid a partnership between Clearway and Toyota Motor Manufacturing of North America and AEP Energy. Both companies with significant holdings in West Virginia have singed agreements to buy power from the facility.
“They partnered with us on what’s called a power-purchases agreement. Their support allows us to operate and even build the windfarm. We’re closing the economic loop and keeping the benefits in the state,” Hendrick added.
According to Hendrick the Mountain State is primed for other facilities in the months and years to come.
“I think actually the state is poised to take a quantum leap in renewable energy. There’s a lot of interest, from corporations who are not only looking to improve the environment, but really thinking about their bottom line. Wind power obviously has no fuel cost,” he said.
The company’s 550 MW portfolio in the state includes another 120 MW wind farm under development in the same region.
“We’re proud that Clearway is leading the growth of renewable energy in West Virginia and supporting local jobs and investments in one of the country’s fastest-growing industries,” said Craig Cornelius, CEO of Clearway in a press release announcing the project’s completion.
“Black Rock is our third wind farm to expand the Mountain State’s clean energy workforce and drive significant local spending and taxes. We thank Toyota, AEP Energy Partners, and all our partners for bringing Black Rock to life. We also extend our gratitude to Governor Jim Justice and state elected officials who worked hand in hand to ensure this wind farm will generate long-term benefits for local communities and beyond.”
