Appalachian States Angle For Energy Dominance As Affordability Wars Rage

Two Appalachian states, Kentucky and West Virginia, are actively pursuing legislation to expand their energy grids and introduce nuclear power, positioning themselves for future energy dominance and economic development, including support for data centers. In Kentucky, the State Senate passed Senate Bill 57 on March 27, establishing a Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Pilot Program. This program, championed by Republican State Senator Danny Carroll, aims to provide grants up to $25 million to partners developing nuclear power facilities, with a goal of having a reactor operational within 10 to 15 years. Senator Carroll noted widespread support for the bill, including from "green groups," as nuclear energy is recognized as a clean energy source in the Commonwealth. He also highlighted the potential for AI data center businesses to partner with Kentucky utility companies on these new energy projects. Concurrently, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey approved House Bill 5381 on March 27. This bill expands the state's electrical grid by diversifying energy sources, including nuclear, to increase power production from 16 gigawatts to 50 gigawatts by 2050. The legislation mandates the state's Office of Energy to develop a comprehensive long-term energy policy by December 1, focusing on reliability, efficiency, low-cost energy for economic development, and energy independence. Governor Morrisey also announced the approval of Google's bid to open a data center in Putnam County, West Virginia. Google has pledged to cover 100% of the data center's energy costs and commit to replenishing more water than it consumes by 2030. West Virginia had previously banned nuclear energy in 1996 but repealed it in 2022.