Virginia's First Major Wind Farm Nears Completion

A former coal miner's vision to transform 10,000 acres of Virginia mountainside into clean energy is finally becoming reality.

Jerry Fraley spent decades in Wise County coal mines before buying land in Botetourt County in the 1960s. When he noticed transmission lines cutting through his property, he saw something others didn't: the perfect spot for wind power.

"I feel like I just opened up a big pit of coal, got it loaded, got it on the railroad car and I'm waiting on the check," Fraley said as he watched crews prepare to install the final wind turbines.

Last Saturday, government officials and community members gathered in Gala to sign a 254-foot turbine blade. It marked a celebration 19 years in the making, since Fraley first pursued the idea in 2007.

Rocky Forge Wind will feature 13 massive turbines generating nearly 80 megawatts of power. That's enough electricity to power thousands of homes, with Google already signed on to purchase the energy.

The project faced serious headwinds over the years. Local opposition led to three separate lawsuits before the county Board of Supervisors gave final approval. Fraley worked with three different energy companies before partnering with Charlottesville-based Apex Clean Energy.

"Our hope is this isn't the last, but it is the first, and certainly a good marker of what can be done," said Apex CEO Ken Young at the blade signing ceremony.

The Ripple Effect

Botetourt County expects to collect $25 million in tax payments over the project's lifetime. That money will fund schools, roads, and community services for decades to come.

Fraley's keeping the rest of his 10,000 acres dedicated to wildlife conservation and hunting. His approach shows how clean energy development can coexist with land preservation.

Young notes Virginia's hills make wind development more expensive than in flatter states. While solar farms have sprouted across Virginia in recent years, Rocky Forge represents the state's first major wind installation. Better technology today makes future projects more feasible than when this one started.

Construction crews expect to complete the wind farm and begin producing power by December. Virginia's clean energy future is quite literally taking shape on top of North Mountain.