West Virginia Celebrates $4.2 Billion in Energy Investments, Promises 4,200 Jobs

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia officials announced nearly $4.2 billion in private sector energy investments Thursday that could create over 4,200 jobs. During an energy summit, Governor Patrick Morrisey detailed six major projects aimed at boosting the state’s energy sector.

The largest investment is a $2.5 billion natural gas power plant by First Energy, which is projected to create 3,200 construction jobs. Other notable projects include a $1.44 billion refurbishment of six coal-fired plants and a joint venture worth $1.2 billion that will provide 625 megawatts of capacity.

<p“Morrisey stated, “West Virginia is asserting itself as a dominant force in American energy,” and highlighted that only about $1 million of the announced investments come from state funds. He emphasized this spending is structured to be repaid.

In addition to these projects, a $70 million initiative by Diversified Energy will plug more than 1,500 gas wells, while Ergon in Newell, W.Va., will invest $400 million to add 25 new jobs. Bidell Gas Compression plans a $7 million expansion in Weirton, creating 80 new manufacturing jobs.

As part of his “50 by 50” initiative, Morrisey aims to increase West Virginia’s baseload energy generation capacity to 50 gigawatts by 2050. “It’s real,” he said. “It’s built on the fundamentals of what’s made our state great.”

Morrisey also hinted at future announcements of additional energy investments, reinforcing West Virginia’s place in the energy market.