Clearway Energy Group announced today that it has secured $174 million in financing for the construction of the Dan’s Mountain wind farm, located in Allegany County, Maryland. The 55 MW project is the first onshore wind farm built in the state in nearly a decade, planned to increase Maryland’s wind capacity by nearly 30%.
Economic and environmental impact
Representing a total investment of $180 million, this wind farm is expected to be a major generator of tax revenue for the local community, with tens of millions anticipated over the life of the project. Part of the project will be established on a former coal mining site, illustrating the opportunity for energy transition in the Appalachian region.
Financing and strategic partnerships
Construction financing was made possible by a banking consortium comprising Société Générale, Natixis, and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), offering construction loans and letters of credit totalling $174 million. The project is fully contracted under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Maryland-based Constellation, to deliver clean, low-cost energy to the region.
Community benefits and job creation
In addition to generating enough electricity to power nearly 24,400 homes, Clearway also announced the creation of the Dan’s Mountain Community Fund, which will be activated in 2024 to support local organizations with grants. Approximately 15% of total hours worked will be carried out by apprentices, favored by the inflation reduction law. The project is expected to create more than 100 union construction jobs in partnership with the Building and Construction Trades Council of Western Maryland, AFL-CIO.
Construction is being led by White Construction, a MasTec Renewables company, with wind turbines supplied by GE Vernova. This collaboration underscores Clearway’s commitment to developing 21st century infrastructure projects that support local jobs and become one of Allegany County’s largest taxpayers.
