Construction of Maryland?s first wind farm has begun

Nordex will begin delivering and installing wind turbines in August, with completion and commissioning of the wind energy project slated for December 2010. The “Roth Rock” wind farm will generate about 124,000 megawatt hours of electricity per year, which is enough to power nearly 11,300 homes at rates that are cost-competitive with existing fuel sources. The project will also provide a boon to local communities in the form of significant tax revenue.

“The Roth Rock project proves that wind can sustainably and affordably power our homes and businesses while benefiting local communities,” said Ralf Sigrist, President and CEO of Nordex USA. “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 high-speed wind turbines will stand atop Backbone Mountain along an undeveloped ridge stretching three miles (five kilometers). 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.

“We were fortunate to have Nordex as we went through the process of bringing the first wind farm to Maryland,” said Wayne Rogers, CEO of Synergics. “Their support and the enthusiasm of our customers and constituents have made this project possible. We chose Nordex for its leading technology and proven track record – but we also benefited from their expertise.” Synergics, based in Annapolis, Maryland, has been developing renewable power projects in the US and worldwide for thirty years.

Purchasers of the wind power will include Delmarva Power, the University of Maryland and other entities of the State of Maryland.

Roth Rock continues the trend in the US market toward large-scale 2.5 megawatt wind turbines, which carry higher efficiencies and yields than traditional smaller models. Nordex built the industry’s first 2.5 megawatt wind turbine in 2000 and, with over 1,000 installed worldwide, holds the longest track record for reliability in the class. The company’s manufacturing plant in Jonesboro, Arkansas will produce N90 and N100 models beginning this fall, positioning Nordex to be a key player in the growing US wind energy market.

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