Apex Clean Energy’s 75MW Rocky Forge wind project in Virginia has cleared another regulatory hurdle.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has determined the up to 167-metre turbines would not pose a hazard to aircraft, reversing an earlier finding.
The FAA had asked Apex to reduce the turbine height to 152 metres, but after further study the agency has accepted the original design.
The developer plans to erect up to 25 turbines on a ridge-top site in Botetourt County, near existing transmission lines operated by Dominion Power.
The company also seeks clearance by the state Department of Environmental Quality.
Apex based its application on the Nordex 131/3000 3MW turbine but has yet yet to make a final selection, the developer said in a filing.
“Other turbines that could prove to be viable options for the project may be rated up to 3.6MW each,” said Apex.
A selection will be made when Apex completes the final site plans.
The Charlottesville, Virginia headquartered-developer expects to complete Rocky Forge in 2018.
Image: Morgue File
