Energy

West Virginia serves as an energy hub for national and global economies. The state ranks fifth in the nation in total energy production. West Virginia is the second largest coal producer in the country and the seventh-largest natural gas producing state in the nation. Renewable energy such as hydroelectric power and wind energy account for 4.6% of the state’s net electricity generation.

West Virginia is situated in the heart of the Appalachian Basin amidst the abundant natural gas reserves in the Marcellus, Rogersville and Utica shale formations. The convenient location makes it ideal for companies seeking close proximity to natural gas storage fields, gathering and transmission lines.

West Virginia was one of the first states in the region to establish a drilling regulatory framework, setting clear rules to protect the interests of the environment, landowners and the industry.

Large-Scale Solar Projects on Former Surface Mine Lands in WV

Solar powers residences or single businesses in West Virginia. With no large-scale solar generation, the 2019 WV Legislature expanded opportunities for this technology, streamlining the permitting process for the state’s two investor-owned utilities. Recently, Appalachian Power Company, a unit of American Electric Power, released a proposal for solar projects within its southern West Virginia service area.

The WV Office of Energy, housed within the WV Development Office, along with Marshall University’s Center for Environmental, Geotechnical and Applied Sciences (CEGAS) and the Brownfields Assistance Center (BAC) identified and completed solar assessments on many former surface mines throughout the state. Download the results of these assessments below.