CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced on Tuesday that data centers have been knocking on West Virginia’s door, and he is asking the Legislature to pass a bill that would open the state up to more development.
Gov. Morrisey said the “Power Generation and Consumption Act” would allow companies to develop independent energy grids using natural resources, positioning West Virginia as a prime location once again for datacenters, for AI, and cloud computing.
The bill would also allow these potential microgrids to burn coal, gas, and all types of energy resources rather than just being limited to certain renewables, the governor said on Tuesday, standing with members of the natural resource industry and educational leaders.
“For those who don’t know, a microgrid is a self-contained power network that operates separate from the main power grid,” said Gov. Morrisey. “Right now, the West Virginia code allows for two microgrids in the entire state. Our bill seeks to change that.”
“Current law also requires these microgrids to be powered by renewable energy in part. ”That’s going to change,” said Gov. Morrisey. “We have a lot of data centers that have been knocking on our doors, and they are anxious to come to West Virginia and start using our natural resources as a main source of power. Under our proposal, we will make it easier.”
“Governor Morrisey is taking a great step toward making West Virginia ‘America’s Energy State,’” said Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia (GO-WV) President Charlie Burd. “By providing additional pathways for the West Virginia natural gas production, processing, distribution, and transportation companies to serve the nation’s growing need for electricity, our state will be well-situated to attract large investments. The Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia thanks Governor Morrisey and our Legislature for their leadership.”
“West Virginia has always been an energy leader, and as the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, West Virginia University stands ready to partner with Governor Morrisey, legislators, industry, labor, and higher education to attract investment, spur growth, and help our citizens and business community,” WVU President Gordon Gee said. “With this bill, we are positioning ourselves to be an economic development and innovation leader for data centers and microgrid technology. The West Virginia Power Tech Center will play a critical role in designing and building the workforce to meet our needs.”
“West Virginia is proud to be the energy state that powers the nation’s economy. Marshall University is committed to playing a pivotal role in economic development, helping to propel our state into the future of technology, discovery and business,” said Marshall University President Brad D. Smith. “In an increasingly digital world, we are stepping forward to serve as the Power Tech Center for the nation. Data centers are critical assets that represent the intersection of energy and technology, creating jobs, advancing innovation and increasing prosperity for all. I applaud Governor Morrisey and our state’s leaders for advancing a holistic approach on policy that engages all relevant stakeholders, levels the playing field and streamlines processes to increase the potential for future economic investments and growth.”
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