November 25, 2025 - WV Governor Patrick Morrisey announced a $1.44 billion investment into coal-fired plants in West Virginia.

Six coal-powered facilities will be refurbished with support from the U.S. Department of Energy. The plans come as part of the governor’s 50 by 50 initiative to substantially increase the state’s energy output in the coming decades. Energy professionals have said the plan will build on an already established blueprint for success in the energy sector.

“The governor said it very well. He wants to be the energy state in the nation,” said Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia Executive Director, Charlie Burd. “To be quite honest with you, we’ve been the energy state in the nation.”

State representatives said they are enthusiastic about the potential impacts of this investment into the future of West Virginia energy. Delegate Eric Brooks with the West Virginia Legislature pointed out that the projects will be significant not just for energy production in the state, but also for job creation for residents in the long and short term.

“Very exciting times here in West Virginia obviously to have these, not only construction jobs, but long-term jobs once the sites are up and running,” said Delegate Brooks. “We’re all for extending the life of these coal-fired power plants by 20 years or more, so that’s good news for our state.”

Governor Morrisey stated that 10.5 gigawatts of generation capacity would be preserved through the project. The refurbishments were announced as part of a $4 billion overall investment into West Virginia energy.