Timbermill Lighting Update (January 2025)

Due to interest from community members, we want to share an update with you about Timbermill Wind's FAA-required obstruction lighting. We understand that the project's lighting is a visual impact and appreciate the feedback we have received on this topic. The project team has investigated the concern and options to mitigate this impact   First, we want to be clear that we plan to apply with the FAA to install an Aircraft Detection Lighting System (ADLS) at Timbermill Wind. This radar-based system would keep the lights off unless aircraft are detected within a certain distance of the wind farm. From our initial stakeholder consultations, we believe ADLS at Timbermill Wind is viable and that an application for FAA consideration would be an appropriate path forward.   If permitted and built, this light-mitigating technology can reduce the amount of time that wind turbines are lit by as much as 98% compared to traditional FAA lighting. We have reached out to several FAA-approved vendors for system information and pricing to identify the product that will be the best fit for the project based on topography, tree cover, and constructability.   Once a vendor is selected, we will work with them to prepare our application for FAA review of the proposed system. In order to submit the application, we will need to: Identify an appropriate location for the ADLS radar tower Secure permission from the landowner to install the tower on their property Obtain any required state and local permits We anticipate completing these pre-requisites in the next few months and hope to be able to submit our FAA application this Summer.   After submitting our request to the FAA, it will review and provide feedback before ultimately issuing letters either approving or denying the lighting plan for each turbine on a case-by-case basis (for example, it is possible for a single turbine to be denied ADLS, but still have it approved for the rest of the project).   The FAA review process typically takes 45-90 days between initial application and receipt of a determination.   During this time, we will also submit the ADLS lighting plan to the Department of Defense to ensure it complies with their rules surrounding military flight routes. Continue reading

Timbermill Wind turbines begin producing electricity (Chowan Herald)

Read full article at the Chowan Herald here  EDENTON — Apex Clean Energy's Timbermill Wind facility reached a new milestone last week when its wind turbines began producing power for the first time on Dec. 12. “We’ve been testing and commissioning turbines over the past several weeks, so the start to commercial operations went smoothly," said Brian O'Shea, Apex director of public engagement. "We are excited to be formally operating North Carolina's second wind farm and putting clean energy on the grid in Chowan County." North Carolina's first commercial wind energy facility opened in Pasquotank County in 2016, when the Amazon Wind Farm U.S. East first began generating electricity in December of that year. Each of Apex's 45 4.2-megawatt wind turbines at Timbermill can generate enough power in a single rotation to power the average North Carolina home for more than four hours. The project will generate enough clean energy annually to power 47,000 homes. Apex did not provide a figure for how much power the test produced. The Timbermill Wind facility produces power for the national power grid, but its power is purchased on a contract by Google, the search giant. Apex and Google announced a power-purchase agreement in August for the full 189 megawatt capacity of the wind turbine facility. The power produced by the Timbermill wind farm is not shipped off site but becomes part of the overall national electric grid. Google's purchase contracts are part of its commitment to power its facilities using 100% renewable energy. Timbermill Wind, which represents a $500 million investment, is expected to be Chowan County’s largest taxpayer, according to Apex, creating around $33 million in tax revenue and more than 250 jobs during construction. “We are excited to begin operations at Timbermill Wind and are grateful for the hundreds of North Carolina workers, suppliers, and partners who have made the project possible, including our eight full-time operations workers led by site manager Tyler Finley,” O’Shea said.

Timbermill Wind Gives Back to Chowan County Community Through Grant Program

With construction well under way at our Timbermill Wind project, Apex Clean Energy is excited to announce multiple Chowan County community organizations as the latest recipients of funding from the Timbermill Wind Community Grant Program. This program supports meaningful efforts to fulfill community needs in public health and safety, economic development, environmental sustainability, and education.Congratulations to these nine amazing organizations: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Albemarle Chowan County Cooperative Extension Chowan Arts Council The Chowan-Perquimans Smart Start Partnership Edenton Farmers Market Edenton Steamers Edenton Chowan Food Pantry Rocky Hock Ruritans Shepard-Pruden Memorial Library Continue reading

Construction Update: August 2024

Crews have been busy at Timbermill Wind! Access roads are on track to be completed over the next couple of weeks. In the next month, civil efforts will focus on completing crane pad installations and reclamation. Over 60% of turbines have been delivered to their installation location, and 40% have been installed. The substation foundation is complete, and construction on the substation will continue this month.

Hundreds Join Governor Cooper, Apex Clean Energy for Timbermill Wind Blade Signing

Chowan County, North Carolina – July 24, 2024 – Wednesday morning, Apex Clean Energy representatives were joined by Governor Roy Cooper, community leaders, landowners, and supporters to celebrate the construction of the Timbermill Wind project. Over 250 people signed their name on one of Timbermill Wind’s 242-foot-long turbine blades, representing both the scale of the facility and the economic opportunity generated by the project. Continue reading

Construction Update - July 2024

During June, Timbermill Wind achieved a major milestone with the first turbine being completely erected. Six towers were completely erected last month and components were delivered to 40% of all sites. Work on the project substation also progressed, with nearly all foundations complete and the setting of steel and equipment well underway. Looking ahead to July, the permanent Meteorological Evaluation Tower (MET) will be installed, transmission line installation will begin, and wind turbine installation will continue, generally working from North to South through the project area.

Construction Update - May/June 2024

Last month, the last of the turbine foundations were completed and the staging of turbine components began at each location. Substation construction continues to progress on schedule. Turbine erection began in June, starting with each individual tower section followed by the rotor and blades.        

Construction Update: April 2024

Over the Month of April, collection system cable installation was completed, and majority of foundations were completed. The site roads continue to be improved, and construction on the project substation has begun. Asphalt repairs on West Bear Swamp and Center Roads continue, and remaining areas of the site being continued to get prepped for the start of deliveries to site at the beginning of June. Vestas continues to deliver components to the River Bulk terminal in anticipation of the start of deliveries.          

Construction Update: March 2024

Over the past month, work continued on site roads, foundation construction, and underground collection system installation. Components are currently being delivered to the River Bulk Terminal, and crews are preparing for turbine deliveries to begin in a couple of months. Turbine installation will take place this summer and early fall.

Construction Update: February 2024

Currently, crews are furnishing and installing roads, foundations, and collector systems. All equipment, materials, and tooling required to complete the referenced activities are on-site or in delivery. Backfill of the completed foundations will start in the month ahead in preparation for turbine deliveries at the end of May. This month, the on-site workforce was 167 employees, including subcontractors, contractors, and client representatives. Continue reading