FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiaries plan to build a 1,200-MW natural gas-fired power plant next to the Fort Martin Power Station in West Virginia. The plant is expected to address energy deficits and reduce capacity shortfalls while supporting reliable electric service. The combined projects represent a $2.84 billion investment.

The Fort Martin Power Station in Maidsville, West Virginia, owned by Mon Power, has two coal-fired units. FirstEnergy’s president of West Virginia and Maryland stated that the new gas-fired plant will ensure reliable and affordable power for families and businesses in the region.

Mon Power and Potomac Edison are including a natural gas-fired plant in their Integrated Resource Plan to provide reliable, affordable power to customers in the next decade. Plans also include continued operation of existing coal-fired plants and adding new solar resources to create a more balanced energy portfolio.

The companies are seeking approval for 70 MW of new solar power generation in West Virginia. The proposed projects will be built on former industrial and reclaimed mining lands, including a 50-MW solar farm in Valley Point, an 8.4-MW array in Weirton, and an 11.5-MW installation in Davis.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: New 1.2-GW Gas-Fired Plant Planned in WV; Three Solar Projects Also Announced