NC S665

Directs Appalachian State University to jointly develop and implement a wind energy demonstration project with a third party holding a permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, limited to 60 megawatts capacity.

Establishes site selection criteria requiring the project to be located on a mountain ridge subject to protection, at least 2 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail, within 50 miles of ASU, in a county with authorizing ordinance, and in areas unsuitable for residential/recreational development due to proximity to existing industrial facilities.

Requires permit applicants to submit $2,000 application fee and comprehensive studies addressing noise, shadow flicker, avian and bat impacts, viewshed impacts, and adjacent property owner notification.

Authorizes the Department to deny permits based on violations of rules or local ordinances, significant adverse impacts to ecological systems, wildlife, views from parks, air navigation, or location in areas with moderate or high slide hazard rankings.

Sets requirement for commercial operation to commence no later than November 1, 2018, and mandates ASU to report annually to the Department and Environmental Review Commission on wind speeds, power generation, research contributions, and technological, environmental, and economic findings.