West Virginia risks $50 million on untested coal plant technology
West Virginia has committed $50 million to convert the Pleasants Power Station into a facility that produces hydrogen and graphite from coal without emissions, a plan that faces skepticism due to the company’s unproven technology and financial issues.
Taylor Kate Brown reports for Floodlight and Sarah Elbeshbishi reports for Mountain State Spotlight.
In short:
- The Pleasants Power Station, previously set for closure, has been revived with promises of new jobs and a “miracle” coal conversion process.
- Omnis Energy, leading the project, faces doubts about the viability of its pyrolysis technology, which aims to convert coal into hydrogen and graphite.
- Community members are cautiously hopeful, but some question the feasibility given the company’s legal and financial troubles.
Key quote:
“I think everybody’s hopeful. And that’s what I am. Now, am I 100% sure that that’s going to work? No, but I don’t think anybody can be 100% sure.”
— Retired teacher Cynthia Alkire
Why this matters:
The success or failure of this project will have significant economic impacts on Pleasants County, which relies on the power plant’s jobs and tax revenue. The plan also highlights broader concerns over risky investments in unproven technology amid the transition from coal.
