09/03/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/03/2026 15:14
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. - Governor Patrick Morrisey today announced more than $81 billion in new private-sector investment in West Virginia, led by two major projects from NScale and Starwood Digital Ventures, during his address at the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Business Summit at The Greenbrier.
"West Virginia is firing on all cylinders and fighting for our families' future," said Governor Morrisey. "We are pursuing every lead aggressively, moving at the speed of business, and putting West Virginia's abundant energy resources to work right here at home. In less than one year, we have secured approximately $96 billion in privatesector investment and more than 19,000 projected jobs."
The new projects bring total private-sector investment announced since October 2025 to approximately $96 billion.
Governor Morrisey announced that West Virginia has approved High Impact Data Center certification for NScale. Phase One of the project represents a projected $69.2 billion investment, will require approximately 2 gigawatts of power, and is expected to support approximately 4,375 construction jobs and 645 permanent jobs. NScale will cover all project-related infrastructure costs, so they will not be passed on to West Virginia ratepayers.
The Governor also announced that Starwood Digital Ventures has received High Impact Data Center certification for a major new project in Mason County. Starwood plans to invest $12 billion in West Virginia, with the project requiring approximately 2.16 gigawatts of power and supporting approximately 1,500 jobs. Starwood will pay for the project's infrastructure costs rather than passing them on to West Virginia ratepayers.
"These investments show what responsible development looks like," said Governor Morrisey. "We can bring billions of dollars and thousands of jobs into West Virginia while protecting our communities, our natural resources, and our ratepayers. We have the energy America needs, and we are going to use it to create jobs and opportunity right here in West Virginia."
Other developments highlighted during the Governor's address included a $13 million expansion by life sciences company Randox in Jefferson County that will add 100 jobs, as well as AEP's acquisition of the Longview Power Plant and commitment to additional generation in West Virginia.
"The message to businesses around the world is simple," Governor Morrisey said. "If you need energy, come to West Virginia. If you need workers, come to West Virginia. If you need a state that wants you to build and is the best at cutting red tape, come to West Virginia. We're ready."