West Virginia Energy Resources

Coal energy accounts for 98.2% of the energy usage in West Virginia. Coal consumption in West Virginia is higher due to the close proximity of coal mines and the low cost of coal in West Virginia. Other energy sources within the West Virginia energy mix include.6% of hydroelectric power, .3% natural gas, and .3% petroleum. Coal power accounts for nearly the entire energy supply in West Virginia.

In comparison to the West Virginia energy mix, the United States energy mix consists of 51.8% coal, 19.8% nuclear energy, 16.1% gas, 7.2% of hydroelectric power, 2.9% petroleum, and 2.2% other energy sources.

West Virginia’s coal energy percentage is supported by energy policies and legislation. Current energy legislation supports a cleaner environment by placing energy policies on various types of energy production such as coal. The Clean Air Planning Act and Clean Coal Tax Incentives are initiatives for reducing certain air emissions and lead to better energy processes to produce fuels such as coal power thereby favoring coal consumption to generate electricity.

Through this legislation and these policies, the coal industry has researched and developed coal processes such as clean coal technology for more efficient means of coal production and consumption. At any given time, the Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy typically manages several clean coal technology projects within West Virginia.

The Coalition for Affordable and Reliable Energy provides information on the various energy sources and technologies in West Virginia and the United States. For information on other state energy mixes, explore CARE’s state energy profiles.