PSC Approves Major Solar Project in Southern West Virginia
The West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved a 140-megawatt solar energy project in southern West Virginia, signaling a shift toward renewable energy in traditional coal-producing regions.
The project, developed by Twisted Gun Solar, LLC and Twisted Gun BESS, LLC, will span Mingo and Logan counties, about eight miles south of Chauncey in Mingo County. It will feature 310,000 solar photovoltaic modules and a 70 MW battery storage system, enough to power approximately 84,000 homes daily. Construction will occur on a partially reclaimed surface mine.
According to the PSC, the project will not impact electricity rates for West Virginia residents. Testimony presented during the approval process indicated the project could generate 1,099 statewide jobs and contribute over $2.4 million in annual state earnings during operations.
The solar plant will connect to Appalachian Power Co.’s Pigeon Creek substation via a 9-mile, 138,000-kilovolt transmission line. The parent company, MN8 Energy Operating Co. LLC, is among the largest independent solar and energy storage producers in the U.S.
Officials say the project represents a significant economic and environmental milestone for southern West Virginia, a region historically tied to coal mining.
Source: wvva.com
