Gov. Morrisey wants coal, gas and nuclear to help W.Va. cash in on AI and data storage
August 28, 2025
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. (WCHS) — Gov. Patrick Morrisey said his plan for improving West Virginia’s economy centers around more than tripling West Virginia’s electric production by mid-century.
The governor claims West Virginia will become a key player in power for artificial intelligence and data centers by using coal, gas and nuclear power.
“We’re leading the way in terms of energy resources and that’s going to be a big part of what we’re trying to achieve,” Morrisey said.
While addressing the Chamber of Commerce at the Greenbrier Hotel, Morrisey stressed cutting red tape and taking advantage of the state’s power plants to cash in on the expected demands of data storage and artificial intelligence to hit what he calls 50-by-50.
“This strategy is going to set a goal of increasing the state’s base load of generation capacity from 16 gigawatts to 50 gigawatts by 2050,” he said. “It’s pushing to increase reliability by prioritizing stable sources of fuel: primarily coal, natural gas and nuclear.”
When you step outside of extreme weather and extreme demand, coal and other fossil fuel may look less attractive.
So far, West Virginia’s only under construction micro-grid is 70% solar powered. Renewables didn’t get much thought in the governor’s speech in White Sulphur Springs.
“Our plan is also going to focus on developing and expanding economical uses for coal beyond power production.” Morrisey said. “We’re going to invest in advanced power generation. We’re going to be doing a lot of work on nuclear power plants.”
Story by Bob Aaron, WCHS