CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In a bold demonstration of energy leadership and economic revitalization, Governor Patrick Morrisey today announced that West Virginia has secured nearly $4.2 billion in private-sector energy investments and more than 4,200 new jobs all within the past four weeks.
“West Virginia is asserting itself as a dominant force in American energy,” said Governor Morrisey. “We’re not just keeping the lights on – we’re powering the future of manufacturing, data, and innovation across the country.”
Key Announcements Include:
- $2.5 Billion Natural Gas Power Plant by First Energy
- A 1.2 GW baseload facility will power future manufacturing and data center growth while creating 3,200 construction jobs.
- $1.44 Billion in Coal Plant Life Extensions
- In partnership with major utilities, the state has identified refurbishment projects to extend the life of six coal-fired plants by up to 20 years, preserving 10.5 GW of generation capacity. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Program Office is providing low-interest funding to support the projects.
- $1.2 Billion Gas-Fired Plant in Harrison County
- A joint venture between Kindle Energy, Blackstone, and GE Vernova will deliver 625 MW of new generation capacity and 805 construction jobs with no state funding required.
- $70 Million Well-Plugging Initiative by Diversified Energy
- A privately funded effort to plug more than 1,500 gas wells, supporting environmental compliance and job creation with zero taxpayer dollars.
- $400 Million Expansion by Ergon in Newell
- The family-owned energy company will create 25 new jobs and retain 240 existing positions, while becoming the first participant in the state’s new Power Tech workforce training program.
- $7 Million Investment by Bidell Gas Compression in Weirton
- With support from a $1 million performance-based loan from the state, Bidell will expand its Weirton facility and add 80 new manufacturing jobs.
Minimal State Investment, Maximum Impact
Of the nearly $4.2 billion in announced investments, only $1 million, or 0.02%, comes from state funds, all of which are structured to be repaid.
“Good companies want to come to West Virginia – they don’t need to be bought,” Governor Morrisey said. “We’ve created the right environment for investment: abundant energy, a skilled workforce, and a government that gets out of the way.”
A National Blueprint for Energy Policy
These announcements come after the launch of Governor Morrisey’s “50 by 50” initiative, which aims to increase West Virginia’s baseload generation to 50 GW by the year 2050.
Governor Morrisey emphasized that more announcements are on the horizon, as West Virginia continues to attract global energy leaders and advanced manufacturers.
“By leveraging our natural resources, attracting world-class partners, and putting our people to work, we are building West Virginia into the nation’s battery,” Morrisey added. “We’re not waiting for the opportunity to come to us – we’re creating it.”