Nordex will begin delivering and installing turbines in August, with completion and commissioning of the project slated for December 2010. The ‘Roth Rock’ wind farm will generate about 124,000MWh of electricity per year, which is enough to power nearly 11,300 homes at rates that are cost-competitive with existing fuel sources.
Ralf Sigrist, president and CEO of Nordex USA, said: “The Roth Rock project proves that wind can sustainably and affordably power our homes and businesses while benefiting local communities. Nordex’s advanced turbine technology has made wind power a competitive alternative to environmentally costly and finite fossil fuels, and we are proud to be the first to help bring that advantage to Maryland.”
The 20 turbines will stand atop Backbone Mountain along an undeveloped ridge stretching three miles (5km). Located in the western corner of Maryland near the West Virginia and Pennsylvania borders, Roth Rock will displace about 107,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions in a region traditionally dependent on coal, the company said.
Purchasers of the wind power will include Delmarva Power, the University of Maryland and other entities of the State of Maryland.