West Virginia embraces the data center boom

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey signed H.B. 5381 into law, a measure designed to significantly boost the state's energy production and attract data centers. The legislation aims to transform West Virginia into an energy hub, leveraging its existing coal and natural gas sectors while expanding its electricity generation capacity to 50 gigawatts by 2050, more than triple its current output. Governor Morrisey emphasized the "virtually unlimited need for energy" in the country, stating that PJM and other grid operators are seeking states to take the lead in energy production. By increasing its energy supply and maintaining a relatively relaxed regulatory environment, West Virginia seeks to lure new data center developments both within its borders and to power facilities beyond the state. The new law mandates the state's Office of Energy to create rolling five-year plans. These plans will focus on sustaining West Virginia's coal-fired power plants through 2050 and developing new "baseload" energy sources, including natural gas, nuclear, geothermal, and hydrogen.