New Generation Facilities Proposed by FirstEnergy to Spark Job Growth and Economic Opportunity in West Virginia

Core Insights - FirstEnergy plans to construct a 1,200-megawatt combined-cycle natural gas power plant and 70 megawatts of utility-scale solar in West Virginia, aiming to generate over 3,260 jobs and $68 million in tax revenue [1][2][4] - The project is part of FirstEnergy's commitment to providing reliable energy and supporting local economic growth, with ongoing operations expected to support nearly 2,200 jobs and $85.9 million in annual tax revenue [4][5] - The investment aligns with West Virginia's energy goals, including the "50 by 50" initiative to increase energy capacity to 50 gigawatts by 2050 [9] Job Creation and Economic Impact - The construction phase of the new gas plant is projected to create over 3,260 jobs [1] - Ongoing operations of the plant are estimated to support nearly 2,200 direct and indirect jobs [4] - The project is expected to generate $85.9 million in annual state and local tax revenue from its operations [4] Infrastructure and Reliability - FirstEnergy is committed to modernizing the electric grid in West Virginia, including upgrading transmission lines and implementing advanced grid technologies [7] - The new generation capacity will work alongside existing plants to ensure reliable power delivery [5][6] - The company plans to invest $5.2 billion in infrastructure enhancements in West Virginia between 2025 and 2029, with an additional $2.5 billion anticipated pending regulatory approval [8] Strategic Vision - FirstEnergy aims to position West Virginia as a hub for energy-intensive industries, attracting data centers and advanced manufacturers [6][7] - The planned generation capacity supports the state's long-term energy strategy and economic growth initiatives [9]