SHINNSTON, W.Va. — FirstEnergy has announced plans to pursue approval for the construction of a 1,200-megawatt combined-cycle natural gas plan
FirstEnergy Board Chair, President, and Chief Executive Officer Brian Tierney said they plan to begin the permitting process with the Public Service Commission early next year for a new power generation facility, and the goal is to be operational in 2031.
The new facility is part of the company’s 10-year Integrated Resource Plan.
“That includes a transformative proposal—a new 1,200-megawatt natural gas combined cycle power plant to be operational in 2013,” Tierney said.
Tierney also said there are plans to work with the PSC to extend the life of the coal-fired Harrison Power Station near Shinnston and the Fort Martin Power Station near Morgantown for another decade.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey has said it will take every form of energy in the portfolio to meet the goal of increasing the capacity of the power grid from 15 to 50 gigawatts by 2050.
“This is not at the expense of coal, and we know there are partnerships to extend the useful life of coal and incredible opportunities for natural gas and nuclear as well,” Morrisey said.
West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Vice President Brian Dayton said this is a big step forward for the natural gas sector and a strong statement about future energy policy. He said governor’s plan and actions will have economic developers from around the country considering West Virginia in the future for expansion or relocation.
“Our state is blessed with abundant natural resources, coal, and natural gas that power our nation,” Dayton said. “But the electricity generated from our natural gas has been occurring beyond the borders of West Virginia, and today is the first step in changing that.”
The location for the new power generation facility is still being considered, but it will be a companion facility to two others already in operation. Additionally, the site will also include a 70-megawatt solar facility.
“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.
The construction phase is expected to create more than 3,260 jobs and generate $68 million in state and local tax revenue. The site has not been determined, but the community will then receive the economic benefit of the plant for decades to come.
“Ongoing operations are expected to support nearly 2,200 direct and indirect jobs and $86 million in state and local tax revenues annually,” Tierney said.
Gov. Morrisey has also hinted at additional announcements coming up at the West Virginia Energy Summit scheduled for next Wednesday and Thursday in Charleston.