New West Virginia solar power plant receives approval for construction

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — A new solar power plant meant to service Nicholas and Clay counties was approved Monday, August 5, 2024.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) of West Virginia announced Tuesday that the 150-megawatt plant, which is expected to generate enough power for 90,000 homes, will be built on 1,521-acres of a reclaimed surface mine, with parts of the project area already being mined.

Originally applied for on March 25 by Deep Lake Energy Center, LLC, the investment is estimated to be around $386 million and is expected to generate more than 300 jobs throughout construction.

As part of a joint stipulation between PSC staff and company lawyers, work on the project will begin within the next five years and completed within 10.

The project will be adjacent to a solar project from Nicholas County Solar Project, LLC, which shares its parent company — Shell New Energies, LLC — with Deep Lake Energy. According to a petition from Deep Lake Energy, the two lines will interconnect with the existing Gilboa-Junes Branch transmission line operated by the Monongahela Power Company.

The communities of Summersville, Gilboa, Zela, Drennen and Fola are all located near the project site.

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