Apex Clean Energy and Google have signed a power purchase agreement for the full capacity of Rocky Forge Wind, Virginia’s first onshore wind farm.
This 79.3 MW project is the second between Apex and Google, following the agreement for Timbermill Wind in North Carolina.
Rocky Forge will support Google’s data centers in Virginia, advancing the company’s 2030 goal to achieve net-zero emissions and 24/7 carbon-free energy, matching its electricity needs with clean energy every hour of every day.
“Rocky Forge represents a new chapter in Virginia’s energy transition, delivering lasting economic and environmental benefits to Apex’s home state while advancing Google’s sustainability goals,” says Eamon Perrel, Apex’s executive vice president of business development.
One of few wind farms in the PJM market, Rocky Forge presents a unique opportunity to support the decarbonization of expanding data center operations in the region. Given the nature of wind energy’s generation, with strong production at night and during the winter months, wind is particularly complementary to solar production.
Rocky Forge, located in Botetourt County, Va., will drive significant investment in southwest Virginia, generating up to 250 jobs during construction and approximately $30 million in state and local tax revenue over the lifetime of the facility.
The project will utilize GE wind turbines and is slated to begin commercial operations in 2026.
