Winds of Change: Energizing Chowan County’s Future

Last Wednesday, Michele Querry, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE)’s Southeast Regional Director, had the unique opportunity to participate in APEX Energy’s Timbermill Onshore Wind Farm blade signing ceremony. Approximately 300 local farmers, landowners, elected officials, and business leaders joined an all-star lineup of speakers at the United Methodist Church in Edenton to celebrate the project—11 years in the making.

Much was said of collaboration, partnership and “clean energy magic”, but one of the favorite quotes of the day was when Susan Creed, Executive Director of the Edenton-Chowan Chamber of Commerce talked about doing her due diligence and making her own case for support when she took the chamber reigns approximately 3.5 years ago. Outlining how she conferred with multiple stakeholders, businesses and her board of directors, she said her decision to support the project came down to one thing, “the Chamber is all about business and this is good business.” 

The Timbermill Wind Energy Project will be the county’s largest taxpayer in its first year of operations, generating approximately $33 million in tax revenue over its lifetime. School board chair and landowner Gene Johnson spoke with great humility about the possibilities of a fully funded school system and what this project means for future generations. APEX CEO Ken Young praised his team and the citizens of Chowan County for their perseverance, resilience, and patience.

At the conclusion of the program, attendees loaded up on buses and headed out to the project site for an official “blade signing” ceremony. The excitement was palpable as each person signed a 242-ft turbine blade, attaching their name to this historic project and the economic win for Chowan County. In the words of Governor Roy Cooper, “the winds of change are blowing folks!”

https://coastalreview.org/2024/07/chowan-community-embraces-timbermill-wind-at-kickoff/