FirstEnergy Proposes $2.84B 1,200-MW Gas Plant and Three Solar Farms
FirstEnergy subsidiaries plan a 1,200-MW natural gas plant on 35 acres in West Virginia with a $2.84 billion investment and operation targeted for late 2031 pending PSC approval. They also seek authorization for three solar farms under an Integrated Resource Plan to balance coal and renewables.
1. Plant Proposal and Location
Mon Power and Potomac Edison, subsidiaries of FirstEnergy, filed to build a 1,200-MW combined-cycle natural gas plant on a 35-acre site adjacent to the existing Fort Martin coal station in Maidsville, West Virginia.
2. Regulatory Process and Timeline
The utilities submitted an application to the state Public Service Commission, requesting approval for the gas plant and three solar farms. They expect a PSC decision within a year, aiming to start construction in 2027 and begin operations by late 2031 on a $2.84 billion investment.
3. Integrated Resource Plan Details
The project is a central element of Mon Power and Potomac Edison’s Integrated Resource Plan. It retains the Fort Martin and Harrison coal units while adding three new solar farms to diversify the energy mix and enhance system reliability.