Photo by WV Coal Association.
nation’ s ports for the export market,” Hamilton says.“ In totality, West Virginia exports as much coal as it consumes domestically.”
Preservati adds that although federal laws often shift with changing administrations, there are currently legislative acts within the state to help grow coal and natural gas production and distribution in West Virginia, positioning the state for even greater energy exports in the future.
A key factor in keeping West Virginia at the forefront of national energy is infrastructure investment. Preservati explains that this could mean upgrading the state’ s power plants, expanding natural gas pipelines, improving transmission lines and investing in clean coal technologies.
“ Strengthening these key areas while fostering partnerships with private companies will create good-paying jobs, lower energy costs for families and solidify West Virginia’ s place as a critical player in the national energy grid,” Preservati says.
Ben Beakes, president of Metallurgical Coal Producers Association, says supplying metallurgical coal to steel production— which is a vital source of heat— is essential to West Virginia’ s energy sector, and these advancements in infrastructure drive the demand for metallurgical coal.
“ Expanding infrastructure— whether roads, buildings or gas pipelines— relies heavily on steel and, consequently, on met coal, underscoring the critical link between infrastructure development and the met coal industry,” Beakes says.
Metallurgical coal accounts for 75 % of global coal exports, with West Virginia leading the nation in its output. Within the state, metallurgical coal represents 30-40 % of total coal production.
Beakes says multiple states work together to ensure this metallurgical coal is transported efficiently.
“ Approximately two-thirds of all met coal exported from the U. S. is shipped through ports near Norfolk, VA, with most West Virginia met coal traveling through Norfolk or the ports in Baltimore, MD,” he says.“ Additionally, most metallurgical coal companies operate multiple mines across the central Appalachian region, encompassing Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia,
each contributing unique coal properties necessary for the blending process to meet specific customer requirements.”
Looking ahead, the Mountain State plans to implement data centers to further secure its spot as an energy powerhouse. These facilities, designed to house computer systems and other technological infrastructure, could be located in the state’ s abandoned mines.
Hamilton says West Virginia is looking at building as many new data centers as possible under the current electrical manufacturing ecosystem.
“ What this will do is not only use more coal-fueled electricity, but it will also help that plant run at a higher level and hopefully reduce cost for all end users or consumers,” Hamilton says.
With the numerous former mine sites offering ample space and proximity to the energy grid, West Virginia is well positioned to support the expansion of data centers. Locations along the Ohio River would also be strategically positioned to facilitate power exports into Virginia.
Burd adds that natural gas-powered merchant plants will generate electricity for the open market, meeting the growing demand from major data centers across the northeast, east and south, which could also help attract new development to West Virginia.
As these initiatives progress, West Virginia’ s commitment to innovation will continue to strengthen its position in the national energy landscape. •
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