According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA): “Coal-fired electric power plants accounted for 93 percent of West Virginia’s net energy generation in 2017. Renewable energy sources — solar, wind and hydropower — contributed a total of less than 5 percent. Natural gas provided 2.2 percent.”
The 2.2 percent figure cited for natural gas may seem low, but most of the gas produced in West Virginia isn’t used here. Instead, it’s transported out of state, providing needed energy supplies to other states while adding revenue to West Virginia’s coffers.
Sunny skies, strong winds and fast-moving water can provide a vast and constantly replenished supply of energy. And while only a small fraction of U.S. electricity currently comes from these renewable sources, this seems certain to change.