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By Dianne Weaver
A $600 million 450-megawatt coal and coal waste-fired
electric power station will be built in Upshur County near
Ten Mile at the old Island Creek mine, with the opening
scheduled for 2005.
"It will use state-of-the-art 'clean coal' technology and
burn more than 65% coal waste," according to Gov. Bob
Wise. "We are fighting to provide clean coal research.
This project can help do that."
The project, a joint venture of Dominion and Anker
Energy, was announced Thursday in Buckhannon, and is
expected to bring 400-500 construction jobs to the area,
50-60 operational jobs and 25-30 permanent mining jobs,
according to Thomas Farrell, chief executive office at
Dominion Energy.
Governor Wise said the plant will feed power grids in
western Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland. Wise is
unveiling a new West Virginia state energy policy in a
few weeks.
Media manager for Dominion, Dan Donovan, said the
facility would be a showcase for projects around the
world. "This new technology of using coal and waste can
be utilized to supply more energy in an environmentally
sound way."
Bruce Sparks, President of Anker Energy, said the plant
would help develop Anker's existing surface mines in
Upshur County.
He said "After years of research and development, we
have devised a mining and reclamation technique that
will allow reserves to be mined without creating acid
mine drainage."
Dominion will construct, own and operate the new power
station, with Anker Energy providing the fuel.
Anker Energy also announced the construction of a 1500
acre industrial park on the site, the largest on the east
coast, according to Arnold Arrowood, executive officer
for the Upshur Economic Development Authority.
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