CHARLESTON, W.Va. — November 13, 2025 — Governor Patrick Morrisey announced Thursday that West Virginia has secured nearly $4.2 billion in private-sector energy investments and more than 4,200 new jobs within the past four weeks, marking a significant milestone in the state’s economic and energy development strategy.
“West Virginia is asserting itself as a dominant force in American energy,” Morrisey said during the announcement. “We’re not just keeping the lights on — we’re powering the future of manufacturing, data, and innovation across the country.”
The investments span multiple sectors of the energy industry and include major infrastructure projects, environmental initiatives, and manufacturing expansions. Key developments include:
- $2.5 Billion Natural Gas Power Plant by First Energy
A 1.2-gigawatt baseload facility will support future manufacturing and data center growth, generating approximately 3,200 construction jobs. - $1.44 Billion in Coal Plant Life Extensions
In partnership with major utilities, the state will refurbish six coal-fired plants, extending their operational life by up to 20 years and preserving 10.5 GW of generation capacity. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Program Office is providing low-interest funding for the initiative. - $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 create 805 construction jobs. The project is privately funded with no state investment. - $70 Million Well-Plugging Initiative by Diversified Energy
More than 1,500 gas wells will be plugged in a privately funded effort to support environmental compliance and job creation, with no taxpayer dollars involved. - $400 Million Expansion by Ergon in Newell
The family-owned energy company will create 25 new jobs and retain 240 existing positions. Ergon will also become the first participant in the state’s new Power Tech workforce training program. - $7 Million Investment by Bidell Gas Compression in Weirton
Bidell will expand its manufacturing facility and add 80 new jobs, supported by a $1 million performance-based loan from the state.
Of the total $4.2 billion in announced investments, only $1 million — or 0.02 percent — 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,” Morrisey said. “We’ve created the right environment for investment: abundant energy, a skilled workforce, and a government that gets out of the way.”
The announcement follows the launch of Morrisey’s “50 by 50” initiative, which aims to increase West Virginia’s baseload generation capacity to 50 gigawatts by the year 2050.
“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 said. “We’re not waiting for the opportunity to come to us — we’re creating it.”
Additional energy and manufacturing announcements are expected in the coming weeks as the state continues to attract national and global investment.
