Mon Power and Potomac Edison, two subsidiaries of FirstEnergy, are bubbling over with ambitious intentions! They’ll replace it with a brand new natural gas power plant located in West Virginia. This facility was built to produce about 1.2 gigawatts (GW) of electricity. That will be enough renewable electricity to power approximately 500,000 homes. The facility as proposed would begin operations no earlier than late 2031. Preliminary site work would start no sooner than 2027.
The proposed sites for the power plant represent a series of key choke points in the state. One of the sites, at Valley Point in Preston County, is a former strip mine. When commissioned, it will add 50 megawatts (MW) of capacity. The company has identified an additional site near a substation in Weirton’s Wylie Ridge area of Hancock County that will add 8.4 MW. They further discovered a reclaimed strip mine in Davis, Tucker County, poised to bring on another 11.5 MW.
The West Virginia Public Service Commission welcomed this ambitious project with open arms. We expect such a decision within the next year. The plan will create an additional 70 MW of solar generation capacity. This federal expansion would be in addition to the 30 MW of solar power already installed at brownfield and other previously developed or industrial sites since 2024. In addition, the proposal calls for the long-term continued use of its existing Fort Martin and Harrison coal-burning electricity generating power stations.
Jim Myers stressed the criticality of the Fort Martin Power Station. He’s convinced it’s been fundamental to their infrastructure.
“The Fort Martin Power Station is already an important part of our power infrastructure, and this new plant builds on that strength.” – Jim Myers, FirstEnergy West Virginia and Maryland president
By integrating modern natural gas generation alongside existing plants, Myers highlighted the companies’ commitment to providing reliable and affordable power to families and businesses throughout West Virginia.
“By adding modern natural gas generation alongside our existing plants, we are making sure families and businesses across West Virginia have the reliable and affordable power they depend on today and for years to come.” – Jim Myers, FirstEnergy West Virginia and Maryland president
This permitting of this gas power plant is a major improvement in the uncertain energy future of West Virginia. This is important because energy demands are growing quicker than ever. This project is an illustration of how Mon Power and Potomac Edison are proactively meeting future needs by integrating solar resources to provide sustainable energy solutions.