The state's wealth of natural resources and low utility rates are attractive to industry leaders seeking improved bottom lines. Consider the following:
* The state is the leading exporter of natural gas as a percent of total production in the eastern United States.
* West Virginia ranks second in the U.S. for coal production, at 148 million tons per year. Coal is mined in 26 of the state's 55 counties. West Virginia's coal is so diverse in grade and rank that nearly any needed specification can be matched here. The state's coal provides the major source of energy for 32 states.
* West Virginia's Alternative and Renewable Energy Portfolio Act requires that 25% of the electricity sold to retail customers be generated from alternative and renewable energy sources by 2025.
* Immense wind power resources throughout the heart of the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia are available for energy production. 925 MW for wind energy projects are either operating, approved, or under review. According to current projects, there is a potential of 3,820 MW of undeveloped wind energy in West Virginia.
* Through the extensive PJM transmission grid, energy producers in West Virginia have the advantage of selling energy into other states' existing renewable energy portfolios.
* West Virginia also ranks 15th in natural gas production and 18th in electric power generation (two-thirds of which is exported). Natural gas is produced in 49 out of West Virginia's 55 counties, through approximately 40,500 wells throughout the state.
* West Virginia has among the lowest industrial and commercial electricity rates in the United States.
* The average industry wage in West Virginia is 81% of the national average.
* The state has an abundant water supply, with most areas providing in excess of 250,000 gallons (950,000 liters) per day of water capacity.
* There are over 950 energy-related companies in the state employing over 28,000 workers.
* The mining machinery industry is one of the leading exporting industries in West Virginia.
* The Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in Morgantown employs more than 600 scientists and research specialists with an R & D budget of $800 million.
* The Robert C. Byrd Institute for Flexible Manufacturing (RCBI) trains employees and leases time on precision industrial machining equipment at four centers across the state.