NC H694

Directs Appalachian State University to partner with a third party to develop and operate a wind energy demonstration project with a capacity not exceeding 60 megawatts on a mountain ridge site meeting specific criteria.

Requires the project site to be at least 2 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail, within 50 miles of ASU, unsuitable for residential or recreational development due to proximity to existing industrial facilities, and in a county with authorizing ordinance.

Mandates the third party obtain a permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, submit a $2,000 application fee, and provide studies on noise, shadow flicker, wildlife impacts, and viewshed impacts.

Allows the Department to deny permits if construction or operation would violate rules, local ordinances, or cause significant adverse impacts to ecological systems, natural resources, parks, wildlife, air navigation, or public views.

Requires commercial operation to commence no later than November 1, 2018, and mandates ASU submit annual reports to the Department and Environmental Review Commission on project performance, power generation, and research findings.