October 14th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

Over 20,000 jobs could be created in West Virginia and other Appalachian states with wind and solar projects on the rise. The group ReImagine Appalachia reports that clean energy projects made up 96% of new electric capacity nationwide through June.  Skilled workers, manufacturing, and geography would make West Virginia a key player, according to the group’s economist Michael Shields…

 

“That doesn’t mean that Appalachia has to lose its place as a driving force behind energy production in the U.S., and we find that through opportunities for Appalachian communities to participate in manufacturing for the new energy economy.”