WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — Governor Patrick Morrisey delivered a progress report Monday on West Virginia’s long‑term energy expansion strategy, announcing that more than nine gigawatts of new power generation are currently slated to come online as part of the state’s 50 by 50 Energy Plan.
Speaking before federal partners, state lawmakers, and natural gas industry leaders at the Gas & Oil Association’s Summer Meeting, Morrisey said West Virginia’s energy resources position the state as a national powerhouse.
“We generate ten percent of the nation’s gas supply, and with our vast coal reserves, we are positioned to be the battery of the United States,” Morrisey said.
The Governor emphasized that codifying the 50 by 50 strategy into law is already delivering results, with major producers committing billions in new investments aimed at expanding the state’s grid from 16 gigawatts to 50 gigawatts by 2050. The plan prioritizes keeping locally produced natural gas in‑state to fuel new power plants, industrial growth, and manufacturing rather than exporting raw energy to neighboring states.
Major Energy Commitments Announced
The Governor highlighted several landmark projects now underway:
- Dominion Energy: 2.6 GW of new capacity
- FirstEnergy: $2.5 billion investment, 1.2 GW, 3,200 construction jobs
- Nscale: $2 billion microgrid project delivering 2 GW
- Wolf Summit: $1.2 billion plant, 625 MW, 805 jobs
- Calpine (Moundsville): $1 billion+ facility adding 500 MW, 400 jobs
- Hope Gas: $250 million pipeline expansion, 600 jobs
- Diversified Energy: $70 million for well plugging and site restoration
These projects build on broader industrial momentum across the state, including Frontieras North America’s $850 million coal reformation deal, Toyota’s $453 million expansion in Buffalo, Ergon’s $400 million investment in Newell, and Bidell Gas Compression’s $7 million facility in Weirton.
Statewide Economic Impact
Since October, West Virginia has secured approximately $15 billion in new private‑sector investments and more than 15,000 projected jobs, supported by $230 million in tax relief and targeted workforce modernization efforts.
Morrisey said the state’s aggressive energy posture is key to long‑term economic growth.
“West Virginia holds its destiny in its own hands. By standing tall, cutting red tape, and unapologetically embracing our natural energy resources, we will win the Backyard Brawl and build a Shining State in the Mountains.”
