Four years after the project was approved by the North Carolina Utility Commission, it’s been announced that construction will begin on Iberdrola’s Desert Wind project in Northeastern North Carolina. The project, situated in Pasquotank and Perquimans Counties, is the single largest renewable energy project in the state and is expected to provide substantial economic benefits to two rural counties. The project initially will provide 208 MW of clean energy and will be the first commercial wind farm constructed in the Southeastern U.S. The online retail giant Amazon will buy the power to help the company reach its goal of using 100% renewable energy.
After the announcement of the project, Molly Diggins, state director of the North Carolina Sierra Club released the following statement:
“This project continues the North Carolina renewable energy success story. Today’s announcement moves North Carolina further in the direction of being a leader in a clean energy economy, while moving us away from our reliance fossil fuels that are harmful to our air, water, and climate. At the same time, it provides a boost to two rural counties."
“Our state has more than 32 companies and nearly 50 facilities involved in the wind industry supply chain. We have been making clean energy components for turbines that have been sent to Iowa, Texas, and places all across the globe. With this infrastructure, it makes sense for us to build wind energy projects right here in North Carolina.”
“The clean energy industry has established itself as a resounding success and an economic driver in North Carolina. Top-notch industry and research institutions coupled with pragmatic policies are the path to making our state a national leader for clean energy and innovation.”