New natural gas plant to bring $1 billion investment to W.Va.

MARSHALL COUNTY, W.Va. — A major energy announcement on Thursday revealed plans for a new natural gas power plant in Moundsville, promising over $1 billion in private-sector investment.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey confirmed that Calpine LLC, a business unit of Constellation, is moving forward with the development, which is expected to significantly impact Marshall County’s economy.

“A $1 billion investment into Marshall County will significantly increase our tax base,” Betsy Frohnapfel, administrator of the Marshall County Commission, emphasized. “It will bring in 400 to 800 construction jobs and the county commission when they first started talking with Calpine made sure that local labor will be used. That continues to be important to the Marshall County Commission and it always has been important.”

State officials anticipate the construction phase will create hundreds of short-term jobs, with the facility eventually providing dozens of permanent positions.

“We’re excited about the 35 jobs that are coming, they are well paying jobs,” Frohnapfel said. “You know, I know it doesn’t sound like a lot, but that’s 35 jobs we currently don’t have. So, anything you can bring into the community to help our residents is a win for everyone.”

Morrisey described the project as a crucial element of his long-term energy strategy to expand power generation in West Virginia and meet the growing demand from industry and infrastructure projects.

While no timeline has been released for the start of construction, permitting and planning are still underway.