New 1,200-Megawatt Natural Gas Facility Planned
FirstEnergy has announced plans to pursue approval for the construction of a new 1,200-megawatt combined-cycle natural gas plant in West Virginia. According to FirstEnergy Board Chair, President, and CEO Brian Tierney, the company intends to begin the permitting process with the Public Service Commission (PSC) early next year, with a target operational date of 2031.
Part of FirstEnergy’s Long-Term Energy Strategy
“That includes a transformative proposal — a new 1,200-megawatt natural gas combined-cycle power plant to be operational in 2031,” Tierney said.
New Solar Facility Will Accompany the Natural Gas Plant
While a final location has not yet been selected, the new natural gas facility will operate as a companion plant to two existing sites. The property will also include a new 70-megawatt solar facility, further expanding West Virginia’s energy portfolio.
“The plant is designed to work in concert with our existing energy infrastructure, including the Harrison and Fort Martin Power Stations, supporting a balanced and reliable energy mix that utilizes all of West Virginia’s abundant energy resources,” Tierney said.
Significant Economic Impact for West Virginia
The project is expected to generate major economic benefits:
- More than 3,260 construction jobs
- $68 million in state and local tax revenue during construction
- Nearly 2,200 direct and indirect jobs annually once operational
- $86 million in annual state and local tax revenue
Although the final site is not yet chosen, the selected community will receive long-term economic and workforce advantages.
