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\u201cAEP Energy Partners is focused on providing customers with integrated, carbon-free energy supplies that deliver long-term price stability and environmental benefits. Agreements like the one with Clearway Energy demonstrate the innovative energy solutions we can put in place to help our customers power their homes and businesses with clean, reliable energy,\u201d said Greg Hall, Executive Vice President, Energy Supply, AEP.<\/p>\n
\u201cBlack Rock is helping Toyota achieve its goals in carbon neutrality by adding more clean, renewable wind-powered energy to the grid than the electricity used in our operations in West Virginia, as well as helping to improve the local communities by increasing the number green jobs in the state,\u201d commented Kevin Butt, regional environmental sustainability director for Toyota Motor North America.<\/p>\n
Black Rock is home to 23 state-of-the-art wind turbines that will generate enough electricity to power 55,000 homes every year. The new wind farm will also increase the state\u2019s wind energy generation by 15 percent.<\/p>\n
\u201cThroughout my time in Congress, I have remained a strong supporter of an all-of-the-above energy approach, and it\u2019s important that West Virginia continue to advance its role as a leader in energy production,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cNot only will Black Rock Wind Farm help our state achieve this goal and help us continue to diversify our energy portfolio, but it will also create jobs and generate millions in state and local taxes long after the project is operational. I have been supportive of this project, and I am confident it will greatly benefit the residents of Grant and Mineral counties.\u201d<\/p>\n
Message from Senator Manchin delivered by Keith McIntosh \u2013<\/p>\n
\u201cToday marks a major milestone for West Virginia. Black Rock\u2019s 23 wind turbines are a significant addition to our state\u2019s energy portfolio. Wind power is a clean, practical energy source, that is used nationwide to meet our collective climate goals. I appreciate Clearway Energy Group\u2019s investment in my beloved home state\u2019s economy and workforce.\u201d<\/p>\n
Black Rock created more than 200 union jobs during construction and nearly a dozen jobs in ongoing operations. Clearway is one of the largest taxpayers in Grant and Mineral counties, with Black Rock contributing $12 million in property taxes and $9 million in Business and Occupancy taxes during the life of the project.<\/p>\n
\u201cBlack Rock represents a tremendous investment by Clearway in our state,\u201d said Mitch Carmichael, Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development. \u201cWith the infusion of three wind farms in the Potomac Highlands area, including Black Rock, the company has made a meaningful impact on the local region.\u201d<\/p>\n
Friday\u2019s ceremony began with introductory remarks from Delegate Gary Howell (R-Mineral), followed by the national anthem sung by students from nearby Elk Garden Primary School. Craig Cornelius, CEO of Clearway, then highlighted the development of Black Rock and the benefits that it brings to West Virginia\u2019s diverse energy portfolio.<\/p>\n
Cornelius, along with a cadre of state and federally-elected officials and partners from Toyota and AEP, cut the ceremonial ribbon with wind turbines spinning behind them. Clearway then invited guests on a bus tour to see the wind turbines and substations.<\/p>\n
State Senate President, Craig Blair, proclaimed, \u201cWe are proud that Clearway now calls West Virginia home to multiple wind projects. Clearway\u2019s team is helping to lead the way in the diversification of our energy portfolio. We applaud their efforts to continue our tradition of energy production.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOur members not only appreciated the good jobs building this wind project, they are proud to be involved with this cutting-edge technology as well,\u201d said Steve White, ACT Director, WV State Building Trades.<\/p>\n
Also in attendance at the event were members of the Clearway Community Benefit Fund Committee. The fund will distribute $130,000 in grants in 2022 and $50,000 annually over the life of the project.<\/p>\n
Black Rock reached commercial operations in February 2022. Clearway\u2019s 550 MW portfolio in the state includes another 120 MW wind farm under development in the same region.<\/p>\n
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Clearway Energy Group (\u201cClearway\u201d) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the commencement of commercial operations for the newly-constructed Black Rock, a 115 megawatt (MW) wind farm that spans West Virginia\u2019s Grant and Mineral counties. Black Rock is contracted under long-term power purchase agreements with customers Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and AEP Energy Partners.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"template":"","acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n