The $600 million project will consist of 150 turbines on about 22,000 acres near the coastal community of Elizabeth City. Once fully operations, it is expected to generate 300 MW of electricity, enough to power about 60,000 homes.
The first phase, a 208 MW project, will feature 104 wind turbines.
The project is considered a breakthrough because while there are many advocates for renewable energy in both North and South Carolina, wind conditions in the region are generally mild.
“The Amazon Wind Farm takes a significant step toward diversifying North Carolina’s energy resources,” Gov. Pat McCrory said.
“Bringing onshore wind production to North Carolina is part of my ‘all of the above’ energy strategy. By diversifying our energy resources, we can provide affordable, reliable, and secure sources of energy that are environmentally clean and safe,” the governor said.
Rising among the corn, soybean and wheat fields near Elizabeth City and Hertford, the project is expected to generate a windfall for the local community.
The total of landowner payments and taxes for the first phase of the project will inject more than $1.1 million into the local economy each year. About 250 construction jobs will support the 18-month building period, and 10 permanent jobs will be based at the wind farm when it is in full operation, anticipated for the fourth quarter of 2016.
“This project will deliver substantial and long-term local economic benefits,” said Wayne Harris, economic developer for the Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County Economic Development Commission. “Not only will it be the first wind farm in the state, it will be the largest taxpayer in each of the counties where it gets built and puts money into the pockets of local working families.”
Iberdrola Renewables, LLC is a subsidiary of Iberdrola USA and the U.S. renewable energy division of parent company IBERDROLA, S.A.
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