- 167 MW energy project will generate reliable electricity to power 74,000 homes
- Catamount Wind’s $30 million in new taxes will fund school districts, emergency services, and other local services in Grant and Tucker counties
Maysville, WV – The West Virginia Public Service Commission (“PSC”) has granted Clearway Energy Group’s (“Clearway”) request to update the siting certificate previously granted for the construction of the Catamount Wind project in Grant and Tucker counties.
Catamount Wind represents a $400 million investment in the region. The project will pay approximately $900,000 in property taxes during its first year of operation and over $30 million during the project’s lifetime, helping fund school districts, emergency services, and other local services.
“West Virginia has long been home to Clearway and its team members, and we’re honored to continue investing in the state and building on its legacy of domestic energy dominance,” said John Woody, Senior Vice President of Development at Clearway. “We’re proud of our long-standing partnerships in Grant County and look forward to building upon our relationships in Tucker County.”
Catamount Wind will repurpose unused former mine lands to generate low-cost, reliable, local energy at a time when the region greatly needs additional energy generation. The project will contribute 167 MW of generating capacity to the regional power grid, generating enough energy to power 74,000 West Virginia homes each year. It is in a remote area near existing power lines, coal infrastructure, power plants, and railroads south of Bayard, West Virginia, on Dobbin and Cherry Ridges.
Construction of the project is anticipated to create 175 local union labor construction jobs, thanks to a partnership with the WV Affiliated Construction Trades.
“Building trades are proud to be part of all of the above energy production in West Virginia,” said Justin Williams, Director of the Affiliated Construction Trades of West Virginia. “Construction projects like this create great jobs for our construction professionals and our communities. This project is a win for West Virginia and a win for West Virginia workers.”
Clearway will establish a community benefit fund for Catamount Wind, modeling its successful community programs at its Mount Storm, Pinnacle, and Black Rock wind plants in Grant and Mineral counties. The fund will inject $1 million into local communities throughout the life of the project, supporting community health and recreation, education, first responders, and workforce development. Clearway’s charitable giving program in West Virginia has contributed over $710,000 in locally driven donations to date.
Elected officials in Grant and Tucker counties recognized Clearway’s community contributions and expressed their appreciation for the PSC’s decision.
“Clearway has been a tremendous partner for our region – investing in the people and future of our community,” stated Kevin Hagerty, President of the Grant County Commission. “I am pleased the Public Service Commission has allowed this project to move forward, solidifying Clearway’s commitments in Grant County.”
Catamount Wind marks Clearway’s first expansion into Tucker County. Tucker County Commission President Mike Rosenau believes this will benefit the citizens of his county.
“Clearway has significantly contributed to the communities where they operate, providing support for first responders, schools, and local nonprofits. I look forward to their expansion into Tucker County and the positive impact they will have as a community partner.”
Construction of the Catamount Wind project is anticipated be placed in service in 2027.
Catamount Wind and the repower of Mount Storm Wind will mark a Clearway investment of $1.2 billion in new energy development in West Virginia by 2027.
Clearway Energy Group’s vision is a world powered by clean energy. Along with our public affiliate Clearway Energy, Inc., our portfolio comprises approximately 11.8 GW of gross generating capacity in 26 states, including 9.1 GW of wind, solar, and battery energy storage assets, and over 2.8 GW of flexible dispatchable power generation providing critical grid reliability services. As we develop a nationwide pipeline of new energy projects for the future, Clearway’s operating fleet generates enough reliable electricity to power more than 2 million homes today. Clearway Energy Group is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Denver, Houston, Phoenix, Princeton, and San Diego. For more information clearwayenergygroup.com.
