West Virginia Lands $17 Billion Natural Gas Investment: 3 Gigawatts of New Generation, About 2,050 Construction Jobs
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced in Charleston on November 12 that Appalachian Power will invest $17 billion to build new natural gas-fired generation in the state, adding 3 gigawatts of capacity, with all new capacity expected to be operational by 2031 — the largest single generation announcement in state history.
The governor's office said the investment is expected to create approximately 2,050 construction jobs and 100 permanent jobs, exceeding the roughly 2.9-gigawatt John Amos Plant built in the early 1970s. Appalachian Power has also committed $7.5 billion to upgrade its existing coal plants through 2050.
The announcement carries the governor's ratepayer protection pledge that new infrastructure costs will not be shifted onto existing residential and business customers. The governor's office said his 50 by 50 energy initiative has now announced a cumulative 11.67 gigawatts of new capacity. (Source: Office of the Governor of West Virginia)
Source: Office of the Governor of West Virginia
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图片来源：Wikimedia Commons「The West Virginia State Capitol building - Dome.jpg」（Daniel G Rego 摄，CC BY-SA 4.0），图中为西弗吉尼亚州议会大厦穹顶 Image: Wikimedia Commons "The West Virginia State Capitol building - Dome.jpg" (by Daniel G Rego, CC BY-SA 4.0)
